Rustica is code for lazy!

Thursday's dinner barely happened. I was tired. Pooped out, ready for bed at 5pm tired. After an hour on the couch thinking about the importance of things like the softness of the cushions I was resting on, the hunger pains struck. We considered by passing the meal we had planned for the evening, but after some hemming and hawing on my part I finally admitted to myself I can have dinner made in the time delivery took to arrive, the meal would be better than what delivery would bring and I'd save some money...so dinner...it was perfect for the type of night I felt like having. Hearty. Filling. And simple to make.

Pasta Rustica
serves 2-4

2 TB Olive oil
1 large Onion, diced
2 cloves of Garlic, minced
2 Carrots, peeled and diced
1 TB Tomato paste
1 14 oz can diced Tomatoes
2 TB Basil, chopped
1 cup Chicken broth
1 boneless, skinless Chicken Breast, cut to bite size pieces
3/4 pound Penne pasta
1/2 cup Parmesan, grated

Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion, garlic and carrots. Cook until just soft. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the tomatoes, basil, and broth. Bring to a simmer, add the chicken. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Cook and drain the pasta. Toss in the sauce. Place in bowls and top with grated cheese.

Carrots, Onions, Garlic

Canned tomatoes added to the mix

Brothy. Soupy actually. You want it a little brothy, but not too brothy...you'll know what's right. Don't fret. When it's back to a simmer, add the chicken bites.

Done. Simple, easy dinner.