De Niro Pasta

Yes, the name of this recipe is De Niro Pasta, just like brilliant actor, Robert De Niro. It is not his pasta recipe, only the names are similar. This recipe was found online at Cooking Professionally. In fact, I could also name this recipe, Pantry Pasta. It is so easy, so delicious, and most of the ingredients, except the lean ground beef can be in your pantry full time. It has a nice spice and flavor structure highlighted with saffron threads. One could even leave out the lean ground beef, and it still is a wonderfully delicious dish. Key here is, you have got to like olives and capers, or you are not going to enjoy it.

This is a perfect weekday dinner now, when spring is approaching and it is warm during the day, yet cool at night, and comfort food still beckons. Serve it with a nice mixed green vinaigrette salad and a generous slice of rustic bread. Enjoy!

De Niro Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 ounces thin spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cups onion, chopped

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, optional, crushed

• 8 ounces extra-lean ground beef

• 1 2/3 cups low-sodium marinara sauce

• 2 ounces pimiento-stuffed olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup dry sherry

• 1 tablespoon capers

• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1 -In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions.

Step 2 -In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil.

Step 3 -Add the onion to the oil and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes.

Step 4 -Add the garlic to the onion and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5 -Stir the oregano, the celery salt, the red pepper, the black pepper, and the saffron into the onion mixture.

Step 6 -Add the beef to the onion mixture and cook, stirring to crumble, until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7 -Stir the marinara sauce, the olives, the sherry, the capers, and 3 tablespoons of the parsley into the meat mixture.

Step 8 -Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 9 -Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.

Step 10 -Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve.