Ditalini with Peas in one Pot

This dish is super easy because it all gets done in one pot! So if you are like me and dread the clean up after a big meal, this is the ideal dish for you. And your family will love it!

You can also substitute the peas for cannelini beans (pasta fagioli)!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

What you will need:

1 Medium sized pot
1 small onion
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 bag of frozen peas
2 small potatoes
1 small can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
1 large celery stalk
Salt
Pepper
1 lb. ditalini (or any small shaped pasta ie. elbows)

5 cups of water
Optional ingredients:

Basil

1/2 cup grated cheese (locatelli or pecorino romano)

Wine Recommendation: La Crema Pinot Noir ($22 - $25)

Preparation: chop the onion, garlic and the celery stalk in chunks. Open your tomato sauce can, dice potatoes into small chunks.

Ok, let's get cooking:

Heat your pot on medium, pour in your olive oil. Once the oil is heated, throw in your celery, onions and garlic. let them get a light colored brown and then throw in your peas and potatoes. Stir and then cover for about 5 minutes. Uncover and pour in your tomato sauce and water. Add salt and pepper to taste and cover for about 20 minutes, checking occasionally because it will begin to boil. Add in your pasta choice, cover and let cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potato will bring a thickness to the dish and you should see a "pasty" looking pasta dish by the end! This is a great winter dish, but delicious anytime of the year. Add basil and grated cheese when you have completed cooking the dish & serve!

Tip - If the water evaporates before the pasta is fully cooked, don't be shy, add more water. Not too much, just enough to cover the pasta & cover.