It happens about the same time every day. You can be diligently working at the office, trapped in bumper-to-bumper traffic driving a carpool or helping your kids with their homework after school. Yes, 4 p.m. is about the right time when the thought of what to make for dinner looms like a huge question mark.
If this sounds familiar, you are among the 70 percent of Americans who do not know what they are going to cook for dinner at this time of the day.
Okay, I admit, depending on my mood, I do like to take the easy way out. There are many times when this is the best option, given limited time circumstances or lack of enthusiasm.
But it is hard to argue the benefit of a good, home-cooked meal. Everyone wins. The cook slows down and concentrates on something else besides running around in the car or office stress. The meal usually ends up being healthier . Most importantly, you gather together around the table and share a meal and the events of the day.
Here is a little weeknight inspiration - a little relief from your regular, stand-by recipes and take-out food. From start to finish you will need less than one hour to put together this recipe featuring flavorful Italian chicken sausage, pasta, tomatoes and herbs. Most of these ingredients you can conveniently keep on hand in the pantry or refrigerator. Toss together a salad, add a loaf of baguette bread and your meal is complete.
Penne and Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta
Makes 4-5 servings.
You can substitute Italian pork sausage and several different shapes of pasta, depending on your preference or what is available in your pantry. Increase the red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. You can also double this recipe to feed a larger group.
4 Italian-style chicken sausages (about 1 pound)
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 Tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 green, red or yellow bell pepper cut into 2-inch strips
1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes, drained
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Fresh ground black pepper
1 pound penne pasta (bow tie, Rotini, fettuccine or linguine noodles can be substituted)
2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, as needed
Remove sausage from casing. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat; add sausage breaking up into small pieces; cook and stir until browned and cooked through; remove from pan.
Add remaining 2 Tablespoons olive oil to skillet; add onions and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and green pepper and cook 1-2 minutes to soften.
Put cooked sausage back into skillet along with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rosemary, fennel, sugar, salt, red pepper flakes and pepper; bring to simmer; reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes.
While sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Put pasta in low sided serving bowl or platter; pour sauce over pasta, toss lightly. If desired, sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.[[In-content Ad]]
