Estelle’s One-Pan Pasta
Tastebuds June 26, 2022
Ingredients:
- 12 oz dry bucatini or spaghetti (I used spaghetti)
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 Tbs Calabrian chile paste or crushed red pepper flakes (I used just a pinch of the pepper flakes)
- 3 to 4 sprigs of basil, torn, plus more for serving
- 3 Tbs olive oil
- 4 1/2 cups water (I used Chicken Broth)
- salt and pepper
- 16 pieces 16/20 shrimp, cleaned optional (I used the small frozen shrimp from Wal-Mart)
- juice of 1/2 lemon optional
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a large heavy pan with high sides (such as a saute pan), lay the dry pasta flat. Add the tomatoes, garlic, Calabrian past or red pepper flakes, and torn basil. Drizzle the ingredients with olive oil, then add the water and a generous pinch of salt.
- Turn the heat on medium-high, and allow water to come to a boil, stirring constantly with tongs, for 10 to 12 minutes. The sauce should begin to thicken as the tomatoes break down, and the pasta should become al dente.
- Add the shrimp directly into the liquid 3 to 5 minutes before the pasta is done. The shrimp is down when it is pink on both sides, and without any traces of being translucent or gray. Take the pan off the heat, squeeze in the lemon juice, and gently toss to incorporate.
- Plate your pasta and finish with a generous amount of Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh basil.
The cookbook
During the week it gets busy and is sometimes hard to make dinner but Estelle’s One-Pan Pasta is a quick delicious meal that is great for your busy work week. Plus it has the added benefit of being from The Official Friends Cookbook if you’re a massive Friends fan.
The bowl without the Parmesan
The reason I used chicken broth instead of water is that I think it gives the noodles a little more flavor. My boyfriend is lactose intolerant so he ate his pasta without the parmesan. Also since I was in a hurry when making I didn’t notice the potion that said halve the tomatoes so yours will probably look different than mine.
A salad and some garlic bread work great as side dishes for this pasta dish. The leftover also makes a really good lunch the next day. The book did not provide any nutrition information. It does say that this should make 2 to 4 servings and is inspired by season 1, episode 1 “The One With the Butt”.
Ask Alex : Still Friends with an Ex
Just For Fun, Lifestyle March 21, 2021
Hey Alex!
I’ve been dating my current boyfriend for a couple of months and recently found out that one of his best friends is also his ex. They dated for 2 years and broke up about a year before him and I got together. I’ve met her several times but didn’t know at the time that she was his ex. Now I feel uncomfortable with their relationship. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Insecure
Hey Insecure!
That would make most people uncomfortable but it’s not necessarily the devastating conclusion that most would jump to in their minds. I know the thoughts that you probably having. What if he decides he wants to get back with her? They seem like they get along better than we do. And so on. This situation would make even the most secure question and compare.
With that being said, there are a few things that you need to pause and consider before being uncomfortable. First, he has introduced you to her and it sounds like on several occasions. I’m also assuming that before finding out their past, you were ok with her being his best friend.
This probably means that you didn’t pick up on any threatening vibes from her and that she made you feel welcome or at least comfortable. This is a good thing! She doesn’t appear to be stuck on him as far as an emotional attachment from their relationship and doesn’t seem to be trying to win him back.
Also, consider the length of time since they broke up. It’s been a year which means that probably one, if not both have dated other people in that time, meaning you more than likely are not the first new significant other since their relationship’s end. If her being around didn’t break up these new relationships for them, then it is unlikely that her presence will break up yours.
Talk to him. Find out more about their past and how they are able to be such good friends now. You might gain some insight into an event that puts things in better perspective for you.
And of course if it still makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have to stay. You have the option of leaving at any point. For now though I would push aside your insecurities and take a step back to see if what you’re feeling is warranted.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : My Dad’s Young Girlfriend
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.
Ask Alex : Faking for Funds
Lifestyle February 14, 2021
Hey Alex!
A friend of mine recently set up a GoFundMe page for herself and her husband. It claims that her husband was diagnosed with cancer and they are needing money to cover medical and living expenses. He DOES NOT have cancer! In fact, they are both very much in good health. I confronted her about it and she just laughed and said that they thought it was a good way to get some extra money and that the people donating have the extra money to give. What should I do? It isn’t right!
Sincerely,
Concerned
Hey Concerned!
You are 100% correct in that there is nothing right about the situation and kudos to you for having the ability to confront your friend about it!
Not only is your friend’s actions morally wrong but also legally wrong. You should turn them into authorities and not think twice about it. A friend like that is not a friend worth keeping around.
There have been numerous cases just like this of people playing on the emotions of others to take advantage of crowdsourcing websites. Every one of them that has been reported has faced criminal charges such as theft by deception. Many of them have had to return the money to the donors as well.
Your friend is wrong in assuming that anyone donating has the “extra money” to give. There are plenty of good people in this world who will give their last dime to help out someone who they feel might need it more and it is exactly these people who need protection from vultures, such as your friend.
By turning your friend into authorities, not only are you stopping a bad deed but you are also protecting the innocent who are donating without question.
Turn your friend in to law enforcement and do it quickly. Then walk away knowing that you without a doubt did the right thing.
Sincerely,
Alex
You can check out more of Alex’s advice by clicking here : Ask Alex : Coming Out
If you enjoy reading Alex’s advice, send in your questions or situations to [email protected]. Each week, Alex will answer a new question or provide some friendly advice on issues we deal with every day. Whether it’s serious, fun, interesting, or you’re just stuck, send in your questions to Ask Alex for a little bit of outside perspective on life.