Mommy's Go-To "What's Cookin'" Meals Part I

I've decided that when I do not have a new, fabulous recipe to report on here on this blog, I will share some of my go to meals for when I'm cooking on the fly.  You know those nights, the "uh oh, what AM I going to feed my family?!" Many of these are adapted from things learned from friends, family, and magazines.  One of our favorites is Real Simple Magazine.  Every year they put out an issue that has four weeks of easy (some easier than others mind you) weeknight meals.  We try every single one, and then keep some in the rotation, if you will.  Last year, one of these fabulous meals was Lemony Tuna Pasta.  I haven't actually looked at or followed the recipe since last year, but I make some approximation of this once every month I think.  Tonight's was by far the best, mainly due to the ingredients.  I used:  

• 2 cans Solid White Albacore Tuna, sashimi grade, Henry & Lisa's Natural Seafood
• 1 package Eddie's Spaghetti Organic Vegetable Rotelli (12 oz)
• 1 Fresh Lemon - both the juice and the zest
• Dash of Organic Crushed Red Pepper (plus Mama and Daddy added more to their bowls after serving)
• 1 tablespoon + Minced Garlic
• Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water

Cook the pasta according to package directions.  Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of that good startchy water.  In the same pot, put in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the garlic, and the crushed red pepper.  Saute a bit until fragrant.  Add back in the pasta, the tuna, the lemon juice and zest, and the reserved cooking water.  Stir until a coating of sauce covers everything.  Serve with extra crushed red pepper if desired.  Simple. Yummy.  Oh, and my 4 year old gobbled it up!