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

  1. Begin cooking pasta according to package instructions. **Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Pour yourself a glass of wine/juice/water because the spirit of Gordon Ramsey and your ancestors should take over your palate.
  3. While pasta is cooking, place olive oil in a small pan and turn on med-low heat.
  4. Add garlic and lemon juice. Saute until brown.
  5. Add marinara.
  6. Add Boca Meat Crumbles (or other meat substitutes) and turn on med-high heat.
  7. Add pasta water.
  8. Stir in seasonings, according to taste.
  9. Add butter and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in pasta noodles.
  11. Top with dairy or vegan cheese of your choice, if desired.
  12. Serve.