This 3-Ingredient Pasta Is My Kids’ Favorite Dinner

Instructions

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1. 1 In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add the salt and pasta. Cook the pasta as indicated on the package—La Molisana brand anelli calls for 16 minutes. Stir the pasta every few minutes to ensure that it doesn’t clump up or get stuck to the bottom of the pot.
2. 2 When the pasta is done, ladle out 1 cup of the pasta water into a liquid measuring cup, then drain the noodles in a colander. Stir the tomato bouillon into the reserved pasta water.
3. 3 Return the pot to the stove over medium heat. Add the butter or oil, then add the tomato paste. Cook for about two minutes, stirring continuously, so that the tomato paste and butter are fully mixed together and the tomato paste takes on a slightly fragrant, cooked aroma. Pour in the pasta water-tomato bouillon mixture, whisking until smooth.
4. 4 Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cooked pasta and let simmer for a couple minutes, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Turn off the heat. Ladle into serving bowls and serve right away, with Parmesan at the table for sprinkling on top, if desired. The pasta will keep, refrigerated in a tight-lidded container, for up to 3 days. Reheat a single serving in the microwave for 45 seconds at high heat, stir, then heat for 30 to 45 seconds more, until heated through. To revive the silky texture of the sauce, add a tablespoon of water before reheating. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!