Friday, October 12, 2012

Pesto Pantry Pasta

 
Now that I'm at home everyday for lunch, I like to make myself something that perhaps Mr. Cozy wouldn't really care for. Since it's just me!   It's the chance for me to experiment with some easy meal ideas. 
 
That is if I'm not eating leftovers, which I actually enjoy!
 
A favorite lunch to make is easy pantry pasta!  I call it that because I change it up every time depending on what I have to hand in the fridge and pantry!  It always starts out with whole wheat pasta of some sort.  Usually I like to saute onion and bell peppers as a start because I always have them on hand.  I'll add things like fresh or canned tomatoes, olives, jarred artichokes, cheese, etc.  I think almost any vegetable and cheese is good in pasta! 
 
Today I made a different kind of pantry pasta that I really love!  With things like pesto and dried breadcrumbs, I came up with this simple and delicious meal that I'm for sure going to make again.  It's incredibly easy!  I'm going to walk you through how I made it, but please feel free to put whatever you want in your pantry pasta for a meal that's uniquely yours!!  This meal is really a favorite lunch of mine, and usually I make a serving for one!
 
Pesto Pantry Pasta
 
Whole Wheat Pasta, cooked and drained
 Basil Pesto, from the grocery 
Dried Italian Breadcrumbs
Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Green Olives
Pine Nuts
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper
Dash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
 
 
Easy peasy....
I use the very same pot I cooked the pasta in.  Put the pasta back in there, and add as much of those ingredients as you like.  Turn the burner back on low to just heat it all together for a few minutes. 
 
If you have time, toasting the bread crumbs and pine nuts in a dry skillet would be delicious!
 
I told you it's easy.  Yum!!!
 

8 comments:

  1. Yum. I have everything but the pesto but I have loads of basil in the garden still. I will have to make this this week. Good for meatless nights.

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  2. The pine nuts and chick peas make it sound different and delicious! I have to try this!

    Have a great weekend!

    XO,
    Jane

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  3. This sounds great and easy. Like you, I fix things like this that my husband won't eat when I'm home alone. Thanks.

    Judy

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  4. Oh, I am loving your blog. Read your about me and feel like we are just alike. I've always felt like an old soul too. Love your take in foods. I will continue to follow. Happy Fall~Jen (would love to have you as a follower too)

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  5. Thanks for following me. Hope you have a blessed weekend. It is beautiful today here in Tennessee. There is a gentle breeze in my neck of the woods. God blesses us so much in the different seasons. ~Jen

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  6. Hi Leslie! Oh, your dish looks so yummy and sounds so tasty! Thank you so much for popping in to see me and you are a sweetie,
    Shelia;)

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  7. This looks so great! I would love this, especially with the green olives. I adore green olives and try not to have them around too often,..too much of a temptation. My husband moved to VA, but our home hasn't sold yet, so the kids and I are holding down the fort. Did cross through your lovely state -- oh my gosh it was beautiful! Fell in love with the ginger ale made in Winchester! Can't rember the name now! Wish they would sell it in more states. Joni

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  8. Oh wow! That does sound deliciously easy :) I too like to make little bits, when I'm the only one about to experiment, my husband and duaghter are not the most adventurous!

    Wishing you a very happy day *waves hello* from a new follower, Hazel x

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Thank you for sweetening my day with your cozy comments!