One pot pasta.

 First saw this done in one of those infomercials. Sounded like a good idea to try.  This dish is not good for uncooked meat. Though I might use canned tuna added at the last minute as an exception. You also want to use dried pasta instead of fresh pasta as the fresh pasta will cook too fast. As a side note, Sicilians on occasion do eat fish with cheese.

Ingredients

12 - ounces your favorite pasta such as angel hair. (Dried pasta works best.)
12 - ounces tomatoes, halved or quartered or crushed
1 - onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
4 - cloves garlic, thinly sliced Garlic powder could be a substitute
2 - teaspoons basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
2 - teaspoons oregano,
2 - tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
Mushrooms to taste.
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
4 to 5 - cups water
Good amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

1. Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with a large pasta fork, until pasta is al dente (aka to the tooth) and water has nearly evaporated, about 9  to 10 minutes.

2. Season to taste with salt and pepper and then garnish with fresh basil if available. Serve with oil and Parmesan.

Polenta con Spinaci.

Yet another variation of polenta.

Depending on who you talk to, the ratio of liquid to the corn meal will vary. Normally I do it one to three, because I like it super thick.  But for this dish, it was one to four. A little soupier for a change. So good when it is warm.

Ingredients:

4 - cups liquid (today I used 2 cups water and 2 cups homemade chicken broth)
1 - cup corn meal aka polenta.
1 - regular can spinach
Heavy dose of Parmesan cheese.

Add spices to taste.
Oregano
Basil
Garlic salt
Pepper

Method:

Add the spinach to the liquid.
Bring the liquid to a boil.
Add the polenta very slowly, so it does not clump too much.
Once the polenta is incorporated, turn down the heat to medium, stir well, but watch carefully.
After a few minutes,Add the spices and the cheese and again stir well.
Turn off the heat and cover it.
Let it sit to finish cooking.