We Eat Spaghetti. A lot.

On busy days, which are more frequent than I'd like in our home, we eat easy meals. Most often, that meal is spaghetti. There are a few reasons for this. First, I grew up with a Dad who cooked spaghetti whenever it was his turn to make dinner for the fam. It was his choice of a quick-fix meal. It is mine too. (Yes, my dad occasionally cooked dinner. He also did the laundry every week. He is amazing.) Second, I have a daughter who is the pickiest eater on earth. I'd challenge anyone who thinks their kid is pickier. This girl eats about 3 things. Really. It is bad. One of those three things is spaghetti. She wont even let me put butter on it. Plain-jane, whole-wheat spaghetti. Third, and perhaps a bit shameful, spaghetti is one of my favorite dinners. Yes, I know it is boring. I still love it.

Here is my favorite spaghetti recipe. We usually serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad. It's easy and delisch:  a combo that should be on every housewife's recipe repertoire.

PASTA AMATRICIANA
2 tsp olive oil
1 slice canadian bacon, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup water
1/2 lb whole-wheat spaghetti
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until heated through. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook, covered, shaking the pan occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, ground pepper, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, toss with the sauce, and sprinkle with the parsley.