I don’t usually like to eat pasta sauce that comes in a jar. My mom taught me how to make my own, but it’s very time involved. So, when you’re hungry (ahem, at 8pm) and you want to eat something filling fast. Try this! You will need:
- Pasta Sauce (8oz.) - $1.88
- Penne Noodles (12oz.) - $1.59
- Mozzarella Cheese - $2.99
- Ground Turkey (1.25lb.) - $5.49
I used to eat a lot of red meat, but in my quest to eat better I found ground turkey to be a wonderful alternative. I also like to cut the 1.25 lb. of meat in half and use it for 2 recipes. This week I also made tacos which were, of course, super delicious.
I spiced the raw turkey meat with:
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper
- Granulated Garlic
- Onion Powder
Other ingredients you will need.
- Olive Oil
Place your turkey in a pan and begin to simmer on med-low heat. If you don’t like to just throw your spices on (which I do), then measure out 1/2 teaspoon of each and sprinkle salt and pepper as desired. While that cooks, fill up your dutch oven about half way and begin to boil. Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil (this just keeps your pasta from getting sticky) into the water along with a little more salt and pepper. I told you, I liked salt. While your meat and water heat up, pour a little more than half of the jar of pasta sauce (I used Classico Tomato and Basil) in a saucepan and let it sit. I like to use my time wisely, especially when I’m eating so late.
Break up the ground turkey and saute until it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Hopefully, by the time your meat is done the water will be boiling. When it does, pour in about half of the package of penne and stir all along. When your meat is cooked, stir it into the pasta sauce and turn on your burner to a very low flame. You want your sauce to cook slowly so it doesn’t spatter everywhere or burn on the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring the penne and sauce continuously.
I like to pair my pasta with freezer bought garlic bread ($3.19/each), or this would be a great time to use my Mozzarella Cheesy Bread recipe. Just sayin’.
So, taste your pasta all along until it’s the consistency you like and heat up your pasta sauce thoroughly. I also threw in a little extra mozzarella cheese at the very end to thicken up the sauce. And about 15 minutes before everything is ready, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake the bread. A delicious and filling meal ready in 20 minutes. Feeds 2 people.
Happy eating!
