Tortellini a la Chucky

"Life is too short, and I'm Italian. I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0."

- Sophia Bush

Happy Tuesday my friend!  Smile because you are about to experience a wonderful day.  Believe it so, make it so.

This past weekend was one of those "hmm... what are we going to make and use up but still be healthy" dinners.  I had some tomatoes that were getting near their prime and there were also some mushrooms which needed immediate attention.  We had some tortellini in the cupboard, some fresh baby spinach on-hand, and basil flourishing (okay... struggling) in the yard.

Tortellini a la Chucky, toast, and freshly made unsweetened sun green tea.

The result was delicious and made for several meals.  Not absolutely healthy but much healthier than I would be able to find if dining out.  When Tiffany and I ate portions in moderation, we both felt great and had no regret or guilt.

INGREDIENTS:

• Tortellini, one package
• 1 to 2 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 Tbsp Johnny's Garlic Spread & Seasoning (or equivalent)
• 4 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled and seeded
• 5-6 button mushrooms
• 1 handful fresh baby spinach (approx 1 cup)
• 8-9 fresh basil leaves, torn & crushed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat water to cook pasta but first blanch tomatoes.
2. Remove tomatoes from water before cooking tortellini according to package directions.
3. Cut a "X" into bottom of tomatoes to facilitate skin peel.  When peeled, cut tomatoes into quarters and remove seeds into your compost bowl. Dice remaining tomatoes into medium sized chunks.  Set aside.
4. As pasta is cooking, add sliced garlic and onion to hot oil over medium heat.  Cook until translucent.
5. Add diced tomatoes and tear mushroom stems and caps by hand into small pieces and continue to cook for approximately 2 to 3 additional minutes.
6. Turn off heat and toss in spinach and basil until wilted.
7. When done, add hot drained pasta into empty bowl.
8. Toss in sauteed ingredients and Johnny's Garlic Spread & Seasoning.  Toss gently careful not to tear tortellini.
9. Serve in bowl and top with shredded cheese, if desired.

Hi-dee hi-dee what-are-you-going-to-whip-up-for-dinner-tonight-ho my friend?