Garlicky pasta with peas is one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s easy, relatively cheap, and really hits the spot after a long day. This is another recipe I learned from my mom, who was inspired by a local pizzeria dish.

1 12oz package of pasta
olive oil
4-5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
dash of red pepper flakes, or to taste
1½ to 2 cups frozen peas, preferably petite
salt

• Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Set a timer for the cooking time.
• Meanwhile, in a small pan, cook garlic in just enough oil to cover over low heat, keeping a close watch and agitating frequently. When garlic starts to brown, turn off the heat.
• When you reach the last minute or two of cooking time for the pasta, add the peas to the boiling pasta. When time is up, drain pasta and peas together.
• Add garlic and oil to pasta and peas, and season with salt to taste.

Yield: About 4 servings