Spicy Tomato and Thyme Linguine

 

We've been sick here at our house. The kids have been sick, my youngest more that my oldest. Now I am coming down with a little something. So, I thought I'd use this time to reflect on the little things that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...

There is nothing better than when you do not have to tell your children to do something. They take the initiative themselves. For example, when my oldest decides she is going to be up and ready for school before I am even out of the shower. Believe me, this saves valuable time. I don't have to wonder why she is not ready, after I've told her to get ready 15 minutes ago. Then, finding out she's been sucked in by one of her teeny bopper programs on the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon. Teeny bopper programs... we have a love/hate relationship.

When I have my KIRBY Vacuum in working condition. It's in the shop right now and only after having it for a little over 6 months, mind you. I bet my husband and I are two of the only people that have had their KIRBY bust after such a short amount of time. I mean come on, they are tanks... you can spray paint with the thing for goodness sake! And pressure wash...geez... well, maybe not that... but you get my point.

The gloriousness of walking into The Whole Foods Market for the first time. Yes, it is glorious indeed. I do believe the clouds parted and a light shone through that day. I never knew a market could make me so happy. All the cheeses, the wines, the produce, the healthy and the gourmet ingredients. I had better stop or I'll start salivating like Pavlov's dog. If you have never been to The Whole Foods Market, I strongly suggest you take a field trip... ASAP!

Lastly, and I could go on, but I don't want to hold you up any longer... this pasta dish I made the other night for dinner. It's easy and you will probably have most, if not all, the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. If you don't, then you had better run out and get them... right now!

See there, I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside already. I'm glad we had this little talk. Now go make this dish...


Spicy Tomato and Thyme Linguine

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• ½ whole Onion, Diced
• 1 can (14.5 Oz. Can) Chicken Broth
• 1 can (15 Oz. Can) Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Half-and-half
• 2-½ Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1-½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
• ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoons Black Pepper
• ¼ teaspoons Chili Pepper Flakes
• 1 pound Linguine Pasta, Cooked And Drained

In a Dutch oven, begin by heating the olive oil on medium heat. Saute the diced onion in the oil until soft. Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, half-and-half and tomato paste. Stir and combine well. Add the dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chili pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce on medium/low, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime, boil a large pot of water, and cook the linguine until al dente. Once the linguine is cooked, drain and transfer to the sauce. By the time the water has boiled and the pasta has cooked, the sauce should have thickened and reduced somewhat. Serve with garlic bread and/or a salad.

Enjoy!

Printable Recipe here on Tasty Kitchen