Italian Pasta and Peas

• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• Pinches of basil -- mint and
• Oregano
• 1 large Garlic clove chopped
• 2 teaspoons Tomato paste
• 1 14 oz can peeled Italian
• Plum tomatoes
• 1 8 oz can sweet peas or
• Equivalent frozen
• 1 pound Small shells -- ditalin or
• Macaroni cooked
• Grated Romano or parmesan
• Cheese

In skillet heat oil and saute onion and garlic until transparent. Add the tomato paste and mix well. ad the tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with a fork.
Add the undrained can of peas and simmer all gently and season with the basil, mint etc. to taste.
Meanwhile prepare macaroni etc. Drain and do not rinse. Add this to the sauce and stir well.
Remember that this dish is in the soup family . Serve in bowls topped with fresh grated cheese and serve with Italian bread for a nourishing lunch.