Quickie Penne Pasta Recipe

Have you O.D.'ed on turkey and dressing? If so, here's a really great little recipe that I recently 'invented.' It requires 3 ingredients: Frozen meatballs ($6), penne pasta (.89¢) and Del Monte's Green Peppers and Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce ($1). I have experimented with various frozen meatballs and Rosina is the winner, hands down. Of course, you're welcome to use another brand or even make your own, I just use the Rosina brand because it's convenient. The same goes for the brand of penne pasta. The only thing that really brings it all together is the Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce. Total estimated cost: $8 and it provides multiple servings, and coming from me, that's pretty good. I can usually get 5-6 servings out of this one recipe, but then it depends on how hungry you are and/or how many people you are trying to feed.

Anyhow, the recipe is simple. I use the one pot method, as it cuts down on dish washing and there's really no need to use multiple pots/skillets. Place about half a cup of water in the pot and add about 20-25 meatballs, frozen or thawed, your choice. Then I add a dash of fresh ground pepper and onion salt and put on a medium heat. Once the meatballs have cooked, place them in a separate dish, keeping the remaining water in the pot and filling within a finger's length from the top. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook until desired tenderness. Drain.

Now while the pasta is cooking, I used to slice the meatballs into fourths. Now I just use scissors, which may sound weird, but it's SO much faster. Add them to the drained pasta in the pot and pour in 1 can of Del Monte's Green Peppers and Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce. Stir over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Optional toppings: Parmesan, black olives and/or grated green bell pepper. It's SO good and so easy. If you try it and like it, let me know.