Let's go on a picnic! Let's sprawl a beautiful blanket on a sandy beach and lay under a shady umbrella. I'll be dreaming of the Mediterranean, since that is all I can think about with vacation talk floating around. But, until then this AMAZING pasta will do the trick!!!
The Caveman and I always try and plan at least one vacation a year. It can be something simple like camping in Yosemite (granted Yosemite is fairly close to us) or scuba diving in Belize. What ever the adventure is we often save our money and plan things to "do" versus have. This became a kind of mantra for us after one nutty holiday season. All I know is that I should have invested in wrapping paper or tape!!!
Often after a wrapping paper tornado, aka Christmas you forget all the tangible gift you many have received but, you will never forget about an amazing trip. Memories in my book are invaluable. So as we research this year's vacation and study the cheapest way to get from point A to point B I want to share with you this dreamy pasta dish!
A one pot wonder makes this pasta dish the most easiest meal so that you have plenty of time to pack your picnic, potluck or simply day dream about your future vacation plans.
Serves 6 (day dreaming herbivores and cavemen)
Ingredients for Herbivore
12 oz. container of regular or whole wheat pasta (whatever you do, don't use gluten free as the gluten-y goodness helps make the sauce)
1 can of black olives, rinsed and sliced
1 can of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
1 can of cooked chickpeas, rinsed well cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoons of capers
Half of a large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes (my favorite is San Marzano)
1 tablespoon of Herb de Provence
1 tablespoon of oregano
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (let your taste buds guide you on this one, I LOVE spicy)
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Salt to taste (because this quick meal relies on canned goods, I suggest waiting until you are at the table before salting your beautiful bowl of pasta)
3 cups of vegetable broth, again try and get low sodium otherwise you will be drinking water like a camel
Ingredients for Caveman:
Heaps of Feta Cheese
1/2 a lb. of large shrimp
Hints:
1.) Place all ingredients (except feta and shrimp) starting from top to bottom of ingredient list in a large pot.
2.) Bring to a boil of medium-high heat.
3.) Once boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
4.) Lightly salt and pepper the shrimp and place in a oiled skillet for cooking. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp is pink and not translucent.
5.) Once pasta is done to your likely place heaps in a bowl and top with sauteed shrimp and yummy feta.