Busy nights call for pasta
Busy weeknights leave little time for dinner preparation, but cooler weather makes us want a hearty meal. Pasta offers a filling meal in minimal time. Some of the easier recipes start with sauce from a jar, and by adding some fresh meat or vegetables you can create a quick dinner that will satisfy most everyone.
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Sloppy Joe Spaghetti
1 16-ounce package spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 15-ounce can sloppy joe sauce
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat; cook until no longer pink and drain. Add sauce and simmer on low. Add green bell pepper and onion; mix well. Remove from heat and mix in bread crumbs and cheese. Add sauce to pasta; serve immediately. Makes 8 servings.
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Garlic Chicken and Pasta
1 8-ounce package spiral or penne pasta
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon olive or vegetable oil
1 16-ounce jar roasted garlic Parmesan sauce
2 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped, divided
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown chicken in oil. Add Parmesan sauce; cover and simmer until chicken juices run clear, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add half of the tomatoes. Drain pasta; top with chicken and sauce. Sprinkle with remaining tomatoes. Makes 4 servings.
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Quick Pasta and Sausage
1 16-ounce package penne pasta
1 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 medium green pepper, julienned
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 26-ounce jar meatless spaghetti sauce, warmed
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in large skillet, sauté the sausage, peppers and onion in oil until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain pasta; divide among six serving plates. Top with spaghetti sauce. Using a slotted spoon, top with sausage mixture. Makes 6 servings.
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Pantry Pointers
When buying dried pasta, look at the ingredients. The best quality pastas are made with semolina flour.
The cooking times listed on packages of dried pasta are only guidelines. Start checking pasta for doneness 1 or 2 minutes before the minimum time stated on the package.
When a recipe calls for “al dente” pasta, cook it until it is tender but still has a bite to it. If the pasta is mushy, it’s overcooked.
The Practical Pantry ©2006 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com
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