The COVID-19 pandemic has made eating in an everyday occurrence across the country, but for cancer patients who often have unique nutritional needs, at-home meal preparations can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, culinary experts at the OSUCCC – James are here to help with tips and easy-to-prepare recipes that can help cancer patients and caregivers get the most out of their homemade meals and snacks. “In The James Instructional Kitchen, we work with patients, outpatients and caregivers on personalized nutrition education plans,” says chef Stephanie Urrutia, RD, LD, a senior culinary educator at the OSUCCC – James. “We focus on high-protein, high-calorie and easy-to-eat recipes, and provide information tailored to the patients’ diagnoses.” Today’s Recipe: Angel Hair Pasta With Tomato Sauce The Angel Hair Pasta With Tomato Sauce recipe base consists of few ingredients that pack high protein and flavor. Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, with the tomatoes, garlic powder, milk and olive oil creating a simple sauce that’s easy to swallow with respect to symptomology for taste changes and swallowing difficulties. Pasta, canned tomatoes, garlic powder and olive oil are pantry staples that can be used quickly upon purchase or stored for a later date and still offer the same nutritional density to the dish. The milk used to blend the sauce can be as simple as water or chicken broth for thin liquid sauce or dairy or nut milks for higher calories, additional protein and a thicker consistency. The sauce’s texture can be adjusted by mashing some of the tomatoes and beans (if using), left with small tomato pieces if preferred or blended to a smooth consistency in a blender for a more even sauce base for the noodles. The base sauce and pasta can be topped with plant-based proteins like tofu or beans (cannellini, garbanzo and white beans), lean animal proteins (chicken, shrimp or white fish) or a few ounces of cheese. These proteins help round out the dish to have a hearty, filling meal that’s high-energy per bite. As always, it’s important to remember that safe preparation and handling of foods is the most important factor for food preparation to make sure that you have lowered the risk for introducing foodborne illnesses, bacteria and viruses, into your body. Ingredients 3/4 cup angel hair pasta 1/4 cup stewed tomatoes 1/4 cup low fat milk 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp. olive oil Directions Cook angel hair pasta according to directions on package While pasta cooks in a pan over medium heat, add olive oil When olive oil appears wavy, add tomatoes; mash tomatoes down with a fork or the back of a spoon Let tomatoes cook 2-3 minutes until they are broken down Add milk and garlic powder to tomatoes, mixing well Heat another 1-2 minutes Add cooked pasta to the tomato sauce Stir well and serve