Pasta Perfection: Part One

My dinner staple? Pasta. It's simple, versatile, and delicious! Throughout this blog, you will find examples of endless pasta possibilities! Starting with spinach and mozzarella marinara.

What you'll need:

• pre-made pasta sauce (try Bertoli's Tomato and Basil--it's great and goes on sale often!)
• fresh mozzarella
• spinach (either frozen or fresh--Whole Foods sells great tasting frozen spinach)
• pasta--try whole wheat it tastes almost the same and is much healthier!
• medium size pot
• pasta drainer

If you chose to use frozen spinach, let it thaw out by following the directions on the bag for stove-top cooking or simply put a few drops of water with the size portion you desire in a bowl and microwave.

Fill a medium size pot with water, sprinkle in some salt, and place on high heat until it starts to boil. When it comes to a boil, pour in about a quarter of a box, or the serving size listed. Cook for 9-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to be al dente--a mixture of firm and chewy--taste for your preference.

Drain the pasta then pour it back into the pot, on low heat. Pour in about a quarter of the jar of sauce and stir. Cut up half of a large mozzarella ball into 1 inch pieces and pour into the pot along with the spinach. Stir, dish out, and enjoy!

Realize you cooked too much? Don't worry, pasta is great left over--just put the extras in a Tupperware, refrigerate, and have a quick meal for another day!