simple. easy. pasta.

I present to you the easiest, tastiest pasta. Honestly, this recipe is fool-proof (believe me), takes about 15 minutes from preparation to serving, requires simple ingredients and is so yummy. I cook this pasta regularly when I'm in a hurry, can't be bothered or entertaining at the last minute.

This meal is perfect for everyone - those who are time poor, singles, couples, those who can't be bothered... it's a recipe that caters to everyone.

What I love most about this dish, is you don't need to run out to your local deli to purchase exotic ingredients. This recipe boasts ingredients everyone has on hand. I admit, I have been guilty of only having a single mouldy cheese à la Bridget Jones, but I now make sure I always have these ingredients on hand. You can also cheat by using ingredients from the jar!

Simple pasta
Serves 1-2 

2 medium chicken breasts
1 heaped teaspoon of garlic
1 heaped teaspoon of chilli - SOS: cater to your tastebuds
1 dessert spoon of butter
lemon rind from a whole medium lemon (be careful not to get the pith)
a squeeze of lemon juice
1 packet of fettucini
parsley to garnish
1 tablespoon of oil

1. Chop the chicken into bite sized pieces and cook in oil until golden brown. Remove from the pan and
    set aside.
2. Boil lightly salted water (enough to suit the amount of pasta you're cooking). Once bubbling, add the
    fettucini. Cool til al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, add the garlic and chilli to a lightly oiled pan on low heat. Cook until
    heated through. (If using fresh ingredients, cook until soft).
4. Add the chicken to the garlic/chilli paste and simmer until the pasta is cooked.
5. Add the lemon rind, and parsley in portions to suit your taste. Do not over cook the lemon as it will
    become tart. Mix well.
6. Drain the pasta - keep a drizzle of the liquid to add to the garlic/chilli paste.
7. Add the pasta to the chicken and mix through. If it's dry, or hard to mix, add a drizzle of the liquid
    from step 6.
8. Add butter and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Stir well.
9. Garnish with parsley.
10. Viola! Serve immediately with a tall glass of wine and herb bread.

TIP: to cheek if the pasta is al dente, take one strip and throw it at your kitchen splashback. If it sticks – viola! If it falls straight off, leave to cook.

TIP: the butter adds that beautiful glean and an excellent (albeit naughty) flavour.