When our family is in the midst of sports craziness, I like to try as much as I can to still feed them with filling, fuel-filled meals. Our family has a “Eat Out” rule…simply that we get one meal out a week and it’s a meal that we all gather at together. This helps feed my ambition to have decent meals during the week, because running through a drive through for convenience isn’t an option (I must admit, out of complete desperation, I have broken our little rule; but rarely!).
There is definitely some prep that needs to go into the week in order to get a decent meal ready each night, and Angela and I are excited that we will be sharing some of these prepping ideas with you soon!
Until then, try out this Fast & Easy Penne Arrabbiata!
Tonight is a perfect example of when I would make this meal; we have one at basketball practice, another at diving and the last is off to a baseball winter workout. Of course, none of these practices are at the same time, but overlapping and at all different times. We make it a priority to sit down as a family every night for dinner. But it’s a night like tonight that it’s just impossible, unless we didn’t eat until 9pm AND I don’t think I could hold off my food-loving, growing by the minute, eat-me-out-of-the-house boys off until 9pm!
If I get the Penne Arrabbiata made about 4:30 in the afternoon OR even the night before, it’s super easy to scoop onto a plate and pop into the microwave for a reheat, add some bread and a quick salad and it’s a really yummy, filling meal. What’s even better, is that this is even more flavorful on day 2!
**Beware, that if your kids help you in the kitchen (like mine do, and always without complaining, wink, wink!) your sausage may be a little on the “done” side like below! This is when I simply remind my self, that life’s not perfect and I am thankful for the extra hands in the kitchen!**
Also, because this is SO easy to make it’s one of my “go-to recipes” I use when we have a large group of people over. When people ask for the recipe I am almost embarrassed to share, because it is SO easy to make!
Be forewarned, that the Penne Arrabbiata has a little bit of kick…if your family does not like spice, just leave out the crushed red pepper!
Cookware, Pots/Pants, etc. You’ll Need
Here is a list of what you’ll need to prepare this recipe:
Fast & Easy Penne Arrabbiata
- 1lb penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 jar (28oz) pasta sauce ( I use Ragu Chopped Tomato, Olive Oil & Garlic)
- 1 t. crushed red pepper
- ½ c. grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pkg (19oz) Johnsonville Italian Sausage, cooked and sliced
- Cook italian sausage according to package directions, slice into coin sized pieces after it is cooked.
- Cook penne pasta and drain
- Place pasta sauce in large microwave safe bowl, microwave 3 min. or until heated through.
- Add parmesan and red pepper to HOT sauce, stir.
- Stir in sausage and pasta.
