I get home from work and realise I am cooking for one. This means invention time!

I know I have some vermicelli I want to use, so water goes on to boil while I rummage for goodies. I scavenge pancetta and a lonely courgette, so that’s as good a start as any. I chuck the vermicelli in salted water while I fry garlic and pancetta together in a hot pan. When that browns I throw in a diced courgette and toss well. Then I dash out to the window box to trim off some thyme leaves, which go in. I then add a splash of marsala for sweetness then add some chicken stock. The pasta’s done so that is drained and then swirled in the frying pan, and topped up with a little more stock and some frozen peas.

A lovely 8 min din.

Vermicelli with pancetta, pea and courgette:

200g vermicelli pasta

1 pack diced pancetta

1 clove garlic, sliced

1 courgette

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

2 tablespoons marsala

500ml chicken stock

2 teaspoons frozen peas

Boil vermicelli in salted water until tender and drain.

Fry garlic and pancetta until meat is coloured.

Add thyme leaves and courgette and continue to fry.

Add marsala and allow to bubble for a minute.

Add half the stock and allow to bubble for a bit.

Add the pasta to the pan with the rest of the stock, seasoning as necessary.