Quick as a Rocket Pasta

See what I've done there?! My excuse for this bad pun is, that today was my first day back at work after being off for two weeks. Therefore my brain is a little frazzled. Also, the plan was to go for a run tonight, but instead I'm on the sofa wanting tea and biscuits. There is just no way I'm gonna get my trainers and not-so-sexy lycra stuff out and face the hills. I just want to be lazy now and needed immediate comfort when I got in, so I cooked some pasta.



This is one of those dishes that's ideal for a weeknight, when you get in from work and just don't want to spend more then twenty minutes in the kitchen but still want a tasty homemade meal. Given the amount of garlic at least it's ideal if you don't have an important business meeting the next day. The dish is quite open for experimentation, for example try adding king prawns or use plenty of chopped basil instead of the rocket (arugula).




Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes and Rocket (serves 2)

The amounts aren't exact, it doesn't matter if you use a little more or less of something.

olive oil
2 fat cloves of garlic, crushed
2-3 vine ripened tomatoes, chopped roughly
3 tbsp freshly grated parmesan
a large handful of rocket (arugula)
8 mini balls of buffalo mozzarella (optional)
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 packet of fresh pasta (enough for two), cooked and drained

In a heavy based pan heat a generous amount of olive oil (about 3 tbsp).

Add the garlic and sautee over a very low heat for about 3-5 minutes, you don't want it to brown, just soften. Stir regularly.

Add the tomatoes and continue to cook for another five minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add the cooked pasta, parmesan and rocket and stir until all the pasta is coated and the rocket is starting to wilt. If you are using the mozzarella add it now as well.

Serve straight away, ideally with a large glass of red wine!