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Original poster

What can I add to this pasta dish to make it less bland please?

19 replies

mckenzie · 28/02/2013 20:36

I pan fried some chopped chicken breast then added chopped red onion and garlic. Then I added a tin of chopped tomatoes and fresh broccoli. At the last minute I added some half fat creme fraiche and mixed in the freshly cooked pasta.
It looks lovely and DS ate it all up saying it was yummy but DH and I found it really bland and tasteless. I have loads left over Sad. Anything I can do to give it a new lease of life please?

TIA

OP posts:
slambang · 28/02/2013 20:38

bacon bits?

ArbitraryUsername · 28/02/2013 20:39

Chorizo.

HairyHandedTrucker · 28/02/2013 20:39

stock cube?

Wigeon · 28/02/2013 20:41

Did you put lots of salt and pepper?

Or herbs (any of thyme, parsley, rosemary, basil would all go).

mamageekchic · 28/02/2013 20:42

chilli?

Cremolafoam · 28/02/2013 20:43

Big dollop of pesto and some grated Parmesan

Mynewmoniker · 28/02/2013 20:44

A jar of Nuttella Grin

TomArchersSausage · 28/02/2013 20:45

I would second the pesto and parmesan.

PelvicFloorClenchReminder · 28/02/2013 20:46

Some thyme or oregano and a splash of balsamic vinegar?

Original poster
mckenzie · 28/02/2013 20:47

Wow, that was quick! Thank you.

DH doesn't like bacon, chorizo or pesto (yes, he is a fussy bugger!)
I didn't put any salt and pepper in (would normally have added pepper, not sure why I forgot) but I did add basil.
Nutella? Yuk!

OP posts:
justaweeone · 28/02/2013 20:47

Smoked paprika ,the nice one you get in a tin

wannabedomesticgoddess · 28/02/2013 20:48

A spoon of sugar will season the tomatoes. Try some chilli powder or paprika. It does sound very bland.

Wigeon · 28/02/2013 20:50

Tinned tomatoes really need a bit of salt and pepper, and a pinch of sugar really brings out their sweetness.

I think your DH wouldn't notice if you stirred in a dollop of pesto so it was invisible but still made the dish taste lovely...

Original poster
mckenzie · 28/02/2013 20:50

Thanks guys. Paprika I have and chilli powder. I might split it into two halves and try both!

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 28/02/2013 20:51

a stock cube

Hoopsadazy · 28/02/2013 20:56

porcini mushrooms is a Jamie Oliver favourite

However, I can highly (highly!) recommend Oil & Vinegar Brushetta mix, if you have one near? A few sprinkles helps any old tin of tomatoes turn into a sauce.

ceeveebee · 28/02/2013 20:59

Sundried tomato paste

Original poster
mckenzie · 28/02/2013 21:29

I have chestnut mushrooms which i could try adding tomorrow and lots of antipasto things like sundried tomatoes, peppers etc. And also i have some harissa - would I try that maybe?

Heck, i can divide it into four portions and try all these different ideas and report back! Marks out of 10 for you all Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
mckenzie · 02/03/2013 12:55

the results from the Mckenzie DCs were

adding sun dried tomatoes and roasted peppers 5/10
adding harissa 6/10
adding pesto 10/10

OP posts:
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