Penne Arrabiata for tired boys

It’s been a long day; I’m tired and just want something simple. The boy arrives home 10 minutes after me and looks wiped out too. I ask him if he fancies penne arrabiata and it would seem he’s up for it. The chilli will lift it just enough from being boring.

Penne for 2

1 can chopped tomatoes

6-8 basil leaves, torn

2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

3tbsp olive oil

2tsp chilli flakes

Salt & pepper

Grated Parmesan to serve

Really simple – put the penne on to boil – I can usually tell from his body language, just how hungry the boy is. I do think penne is the right pasta shape for this, though I don’t know why and I don’t suppose it matters that much.

Gently heat the oil and heat the garlic – don’t let it brown, but just soften it gently. I find listening to Mendelssohn’s string quartets in the kitchen helps keep the pacing right. Some Boccherini guitar quintets would be good for a summer night too! Add the chilli flakes. Again, you could judge whether to up this or not. As we’re both tired, I’m not going for a shock to the system. Don’t burn them, just let them aromatise in the warm oil.

Tip in the chopped tomatoes – you will all know that I like Cirio brand, but you usually find that of tinned tomatoes, chopped are better quality than whole ones. (Whole tinned tomatoes are usually canned whilst slightly under ripe in order to keep their shape). Anyway, use whatever brand  you have handy. This is about an easy meal with what you have, rather than sourcing the finest ingredients.

Heat all through and season well. Start checking the penne. When it’s done add a spoonful or two of the starchy water to the tomato sauce and then drain the pasta and tip into a serving bowl. Toss with a little more oil to stop it sticking. Tip in the sauce and toss well and finally stir in the basil.

Serve and top each bowl with a generous amount of Parmesan.

He’s not getting away without a side salad, though it’s a simple one. Lambs lettuce, thinly sliced fennel and green olives dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. He does eat it all and yet again I feel a sense of comfort in having got him to eat at least a few raw vegetables.