Penne Del Quinto (PDQ Pasta)

Ingredients

500g whole grain penne pasta

3 tbsp olive oil, or to taste

3 cloves garlic, diced

2 cups diced tomatoes (or sliced mushrooms)

1 cup sliced kalamata olives

1 cup roasted red peppers, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped parsley

Directions

Literally, the title means “Penne with Five Ingredients,” although you have to leave out the oil, salt, pepper and parsley to make that work. This dish was originally served to us by my sister-in-law, who doesn’t like mushrooms, to a group including my wife, who doesn’t like tomatoes. If we made this at home, we would substitute sliced mushrooms. You can feel free to make it with either—or both. If both, change the title to “Penne Del Sesto” which indicates six ingredients.

Boil pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

Heat oil and garlic in a medium sauce pan, then stir in tomatoes, olives and peppers and heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in pasta and serve with parsley for garnish.