Penne Al' Arrabiata

I love to cook, of course you can't judge me on this after having a baby. I haven't cooked as much as I use to. But I did cook a real meal the other night. It's the hubs and my favorite quick meal! Recently it's changed to include Pancetta (Italian style bacon) and it adds so much more flavor! I don't think I'll ever make it without it again. The Pancetta adds an improved Flavor to an already mouth watering dish. This meal gets me every time. And the leftovers... even better!

Yumm....FRESH BASIL! 

Okay so I'm not a "follow a recipe exactly" kind of girl. So I will give you the recipe but I don't really have exact amounts for things...I just kind of guess and so should you! It makes it so much more FUN!

Ingredients:

7-8 Garlic Cloves minced (Yes lots of garlic and it tastes SO GOOD!)

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1/2 Tablespoon Crushed red Pepper Flakes (as much or as little as you want...we like things spicy so I put a lot in the palm of my hand and just add it all!)

4-6 oz. Pancetta diced into cubes.

1 (28) oz. can Diced Tomatoes (You can buy the cheap kind but it doesn't taste as good)

1 (14) oz. can Diced Tomatoes

1 small can of Tomato Sauce

1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano

A bunch of Fresh Basil (You can use dried as well but it doesn't  taste nearly as good)

Pecorino Romano Cheese (Or parmesan) 

Directions:

1. Put the oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a skillet over Medium Heat. 

2. IMPORTANT: As soon as the garlic starts to bubble add the Pancetta and stir. You DO NOT want to burn the garlic. If you think it's going to burn turn down the heat just a bit. 

3. Cook the Pancetta until slightly browned but not too crisp. 

4. Next add the tomatoes and the dried Oregano. Let simmer for 20-30 minutes. During the last 5 minutes add a bunch of chopped basil (as much as you'd like!) Technically you don't have to let it simmer for 20-30 minutes if you're in a hurry but it tastes SO MUCH BETTER if you do! 

5. Serve over Penne Pasta or Pasta of your choice. We've made it over Spaghetti as well but the sauce sticks better to Penne noodles.

6. Sprinkle some Pecorino Cheese on the top and you are made in the shade my friends!