Being single on Valentine's Day, well, stinks. Everyone is all lovey dovey and on crazy sugar highs, and the single people are for the most part neglected in all the hooplah. Seeing as I have lots of beautiful, smart and just downright amazing single friends (oh, you know who you are!), I thought I would post something just for them for Valentine's Day.
It is very rare for me to cook for just myself. If Brad is out on work and I'm alone for a night, I usually grab for the nearest box of cereal and pray that the milk hasn't gone bad. It all comes down to not really wanting to put the effort into making something and then dealing with the clean-up when it's just for me. Well, sometimes you are worth this extra bit of effort, and Valentine's is no exception!
So here's a dish I found that is made for one very hungry guy or gal (or you will have some nice leftovers for lunch the next day). It's just as simple as reaching for the blue Kraft box, but so elegant and delicious, and it only dirties one pan. Winner! So to all of you without plans on Saturday, make this pasta, light some candles, open a bottle of wine and enjoy it all just for you. Cause baby, you're worth it! (No, I'm not endorsing a makeup company here...)
Pasta Fake-Bake
Adapted from Rachel Ray's Big Orange Book
salt
1/4 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon EV olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 cup frozen asparagus (or peas, broccoli, etc.)
black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 Parmesan cheese, grated
red pepper flakes
- Preheat Broiler.
- Bring a pot of water to boil on stove, salt the water and add the pasta, cooking to al dente.
- Drain pasta and reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta water.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the butter and EVOO.
- Add shallots and garlic and cook 3-4 minutes.
- Add asparagus and cook another 2 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, lemon zest and thyme.
- Add pasta, ricotta and pasta water and toss to combine.
- Top with grated Parmesan.
- Place skillet under broiler for 3 minutes, or until top is slightly browned.
- Add red pepper flakes, if desired, and enjoy!
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15 comments:
You have such a sweet soul dear. It reminds me that I have to arrange something for my friend that is also single.
Cheers,
Elra
I posted your cupcakes on my site. Hope you don't mind. They are so cute I had to share.
check it out.
You are more of a Culinary Made it, kinda gal. What a sweet thought! Your recipe looks really fast and tasy.
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. I'm still trying to decide what to make!
Debby
it seems i have a special skill for being single on valentine's day, and i embrace it...and pig out. :)
great bake!
This looks fantastic! I have this book and I am folding the page down to try it. How did I miss this one. It sounds absolutely delicious!
This looks like a great weeknight meal!
I know so many call today Single's Awareness Day...this looks like a good way to celebrate.
This is our first Valentine's day being married! It is so nice!! But the single ladies can still have fun, great post! Happy V-day to you!
That looks really good! Yum!
Now put your hands up!
Nice recipe for us single chicks!
Yum! That pasta looks great.
Mmm, this looks like a GREAT pasta dish!
Oh, yum. Nice of you to think of others. I may steal this one for the family!
Beautiful pasta dish - but can I make for two?
Hi Elra - That's so nice of you, I'm sure your friend really appreciated your gesture.
Hi Foodie - I'm so glad you liked them! Your pictures are great!!
Hi Debby - Ha! I don't know if I would go that far - sometimes I don't elaborate on all my mistakes. :) Your dinner looked amazing, btw!
Hi Grace - Thatagirl! Those who say food can't make you feel better, obviously haven't tried it.
Hi Donna - There is so much in that book, I'm still working through it myself.
Hi Sara - Perfect for when you want something pronto.
Hi Noble Pig - I'll take any reason to celebrate!
Hi Maria - It was ours too. So much easier to find a Valentine's card for "husband" than one that is way too cheesy to give a casual boyfriend!
Hi Blonde Duck - Thanks!
Hi Bren - Glad you like it!
Hi Katie - Pasta is always a winner around here.
Hi Emily - Thanks hun!
Hi Aimée - You should. It's so easy and you can just add in whatever you have on hand.
Hi Jamie - It actually is big enough for 2 people, if you serve it with a salad or dessert. I had it for dinner one night and the leftovers the next day for lunch. You could also just add a little more of everything (pasta, cheese, veggies) because it's kinda a go-with-whatcha-got type of recipe.
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