Signature Dish of the Day: Kicking off our week with this delectable Penne Pasta Stir-Fry. Believe it or not, there was a time when I was so averse to the thought of eating pasta that I completely eliminated it from my menu. That was until I discovered new ways of cooking pasta beyond just the basics (read boiling)! New ways that would forever transform the way I look at the humble pasta and elevate my usually ordinary, bland pasta dish to greater heights. A co-worker first introduced me to the concept of a pasta stir-fry, and I have truly never looked back ever since! Suffice to say that it now features prominently in my home-cooking menu and I now consider this particular dish as delicious and wholesome comfort food 😎 For this signature dish, I use a somewhat similar technique as with fried rice. However, since this recipe includes meat, I first start by boiling the chicken for about 15 minutes, then create the base with some olive oil, diced onions, celery, tomatoes, and mini peppers (the more colors the better!), peas, and carrots. Add the cooked chicken, season with some salt and spices (black pepper, turmeric, and paprika), then sauté the mixture for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle some cheese over the mixture (parmesan or cheddar cheese recommended), add about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and let this simmer for about 5 minutes. Finally, pour in the cooked penne pasta and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle some parsley flakes and extra cheese (if needed), and let it cook for another 3 -5 minutes before serving hot. Enjoy!
