Penne with Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes

One day at home, I was just in a creative cooking mood and wanted to make something from whatever was in the fridge. I saw broccoli and cherry tomatoes. I realized I had a box of penne and Voila! This recipe was born! Its so easy and quick.  Perfect if you're short on time or want to whip something together for some unexpected guests.

Main

1 package of penne pasta

Broccoli 

Cherry tomatoes

Home-made Pasta Sauce

2 cans crushed tomatoes

1 small can of tomato paste

2-3 tbsp of olive oil

1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning

4-5 cloves fresh garlic

1/2 tsp of salt and pepper to taste

Finely chop your onions and garlic. Cook in a large pot with olive oil until browned. Add tomato paste and mix well. Add tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian Seasoning. Mix well. Cook for at least 20 minutes on low heat. (If you have time, the longer the sauce simmers for, the better. Serious Italians will tell you that the sauce needs to cook for 2 hours!)

Cut the broccoli and halve the cherry tomatoes. In a separate pan, steam the broccoli for approximately 5 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.  Immediately remove from eat, and shock them by running under cold water.  (If you have chicken or some other kind of protein, cook that first as well by browning in a pan first).

In a large pot of boiling water, add a dash of salt and cook pasta until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). When cooked, drain the pasta. When ready, add the pasta, broccoli, and halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce pan and mix well. Let the pasta simmer for another few minutes for everything to mix together. Season again if needed.