My go-to food is always pasta. It is filling and quick. It allows me to be creative and feel fancy, even though I have no experience in culinary. I am a self-proclaimed Couch Chef, watching hours and hours of cooking shows with recipes that I am far too underqualified to even attempt.
A majority of the time, I’m cooking one or two servings for myself. I am a firm believer that even if it is store-bought, it can still be delicious. This is especially relevant because as a college student, I need cheap meals that can cut through a lot of the work in a timely manner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup of dry boxed pasta (shells or farfalle recommended)
- 3 tbs of minced garlic
- 3 tbs of olive oil
- 1 tsp of lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cup of marinara
- 3/4-1 cup of frozen Boca Meat Crumbles (any brand can be substituted)
- 1 1/2 tbs of butter
- 1 tsp of ground black pepper
- 1 tbs of onion powder
- 1 tbs of Italian seasoning or oregano
- dash of salt
- dash of Complete Seasoning (optional)
- dash of red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Begin cooking pasta according to package instructions. **Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Pour yourself a glass of wine/juice/water because the spirit of Gordon Ramsey and your ancestors should take over your palate.
- While pasta is cooking, place olive oil in a small pan and turn on med-low heat.
- Add garlic and lemon juice. Saute until brown.
- Add marinara.
- Add Boca Meat Crumbles (or other meat substitutes) and turn on med-high heat.
- Add pasta water.
- Stir in seasonings, according to taste.
- Add butter and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in pasta noodles.
- Top with dairy or vegan cheese of your choice, if desired.
- Serve.