Between noisy neighbors, long work days and delayed commutes, living in a big city can take its toll. It’s always nice when you have a bit of greenery around you to balance it out. Even better when it’s something you’ve grown and can eat. In my effort to live a more sustainable life, I began growing some basil this past spring and it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Did you know that Basil is a rich source of vitamins A, B6, C, and K and minerals such as iron, manganese and magnesium? Pretty awesome for a plant that’s sometimes mistaken as a garnish. With my plant in full bloom, I decided to do some pruning and make a quick 20-minute comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 large handful of basil (washed)
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes
Baby bella (cremini) mushrooms
3/4 cup of grated / flaked cheese
1 -2 servings of pasta
6 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt
Instructions
Since this is a quick meal that comes together pretty easily, it’s best to do things in tandem.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Salt the water (be generous here) and cook the pasta according to package directions. Your pasta should be al dente, i.e. firm to the bite, and of a wheat or vegetable variety.
While your pasta is cooking, clean, prep and slice the sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms. With a few tablespoons of olive oil and a hot pan, sear the mushrooms. Once they begin to take on color, add in the sun dried tomatoes.
A quick note: sun dried tomatoes can be a bit of an acquired taste. If you don’t care for them, subsitute Cherry or Roma tomatoes.
At this point your pasta should be done. Drain into a colander and save a half cup of the pasta water. This is where everything comes together.
Lower the heat on the pan and toss in your basil leaves whole. Add a a little of your pasta water and the rest of the olive oil to create a bit of an emulsion/ base.
You can absolutely go rogue here if you need extra comfort. For a creamier base, toss in a tab of butter and a splash of heavy cream for a more dense sauce. Add in the cheese at this point so it starts melting.
Next, add in the cooked pasta, and toss your ingredients together. 
Here you have it! Quick, simple and easy pasta for a good ol mid-week comfort session.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe. Let us know what you think!, if you tried it and any recipe or food suggestions you’d like to see next.
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