Easy One-Pot Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 12 oz. dry spaghetti
• 4 cups lightly salted water
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 medium sweet onion (julienned)
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tsp. jarred minced garlic (or 4 cloves minced)
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flake (opt.)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Place all ingredients (except the extra salt and pepper) in a large stock pot.

2. Cover, and bring to a boil. (If your pot isn't big enough, like mine, cover the pot when the pasta has softened sufficiently to fit inside.)

3. Stir, and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of your pasta, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.

4. Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes. There will be a small amount of liquid remaining in the pot. Toss the pasta to coat with the liquid. As it cools, the liquid will thicken into a sauce-like consistency due to the starch from the pasta.

5. Serve hot. Garnish as desired with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.