Today’s dish is inspired by an Amy’s Kitchen Microwavable Dinner. We don’t normally eat microwavable dinners, but on our road trip, this dish was our best option in the middle of nowhere.

We thought these microwave dinners would taste like cardboard that needed way more salt, because they were gluten free and everything free, but they were surprisingly delicious, that could have been from the fact that we were dying for some healthy food, but either way we made our own version to share with you!

Pasta with Broccoli Marinara 

Ingredients 

• 1 Jar of your favorite Marinara Sauce
• 1 Bag Broccoli Florets
• Half a Red Onion
• 2 Tablespoons Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Kosher Salt
• Pepper
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 Box Uncooked Pasta

Step 1: 

In a large sauce pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the red onion and sauté for two minutes. Next, add the garlic. Sauté for thirty seconds.

Step 2: 

Add the entire jar of marinara sauce. Next, add the basil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and baking soda. Stir together and reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: 

In a large pot, put the broccoli in and just cover with boiling water. Cook for two to three minutes. Immediately drain the broccoli and place in a ice bath. Refill the pot with water and place on the stove to cook your pasta.

Step 4: 

When the pasta water is boiling, add salt and pinch cayenne pepper (if you’re not a fan of heat, omit the pepper) then add your pasta. Cook according to the box.

Step 5: 

While the pasta is cooking, drain and pat the broccoli dry. Drain the pasta, and return to the pot adding the broccoli and then cover with the warm sauce. Mix until combined and then serve!