Beth’s Pantry Pasta
Beth from Kansas, this one’s for you! You asked for a quick and easy dinner idea when your fridge is bare and the grocery store feels miles away. Your Pantry Pasta Magic is here to save the day! This recipe will turn those forgotten jars and cans into a tasty meal that’ll make you feel like a kitchen wizard.
We’ve all been there – staring at empty shelves and wondering what to cook. But with this pasta dish, you’ll never stress about dinner again. It’s simple, fast, and uses ingredients you probably already have. So get ready to whip up something delicious, Beth!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for your Pantry Pasta, Beth:
- 3/4 to 1 pound pasta (any shape you like)
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 small sweet onions, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 anchovies (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 6 ounce can or tube of tomato paste
For serving, you might want to add:
- Shaved parmesan
- Torn burrata
- Fresh basil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Flaky salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Remember, you can adjust the amounts based on what you have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!
Instructions
Start by making the sauce. Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Add butter, anchovies, and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in pepper flakes, vinegar, and wine. Simmer for a minute.
Mix in tomato paste until well combined. The sauce will be very thick. Lower the heat and cook gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring now and then.
While the sauce cooks, make the pasta. Boil a large pot of very salty water. Cook pasta following package directions until al dente.
Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir well, adding pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors.
Serve hot with your choice of toppings like parmesan, basil, or cherry tomatoes. Enjoy your pantry pasta!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Can’t find some ingredients? No problem! Here are some easy swaps you can make:
- No sweet onions? Use regular yellow onions instead.
- Out of olive oil? Try vegetable or canola oil.
- No butter? Use more olive oil or try margarine.
- Skip the anchovies if you don’t have them.
- Fresh out of garlic? Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per clove.
No red wine? Don’t worry! You can use chicken or vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch.
Want to mix things up? Try these tasty variations:
- Add a can of drained tuna or white beans for extra protein.
- Toss in some frozen peas or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Sprinkle in dried herbs like oregano or basil if you have them.
- Use cream cheese instead of burrata for a creamy twist.
Remember, pantry pasta is all about using what you have. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients!
Short on time? Here’s a quick version:
- Sauté onions for just 5-10 minutes until soft.
- Skip the wine and use less butter.
- Cook everything together for just 5 minutes.
You’ll still get a yummy meal, just with less depth of flavor.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid can help thin the sauce if needed.
Cook pasta just shy of al dente. It’ll finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing more flavor.
Try different pasta shapes. Short, chunky shapes like penne or fusilli hold sauce well.
Make extra sauce and freeze it. You’ll have a quick meal starter on hand for busy nights.
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3-4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water before microwaving. This prevents the pasta from drying out.
Get creative with toppings. Try breadcrumbs, nuts, or herbs for extra texture and flavor.
Swap the wine for broth or water if you prefer. The dish will still be tasty.
Don’t skip the anchovies if possible. They add depth without fishiness.
Make it a complete meal by adding a can of drained chickpeas or white beans.