Monday 8/2 "Sausage Spaghetti"

Sandra Lee Money Saving Meals

Spaghetti
• 1 pound penne pasta ($1.79)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (already purchased)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (already purchased)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped (already purchased)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning mix (on hand)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake, optional (on hand)
• 4 Italian-style hot pork sausages, cut into 1/2-inch slices ($1.71)
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained ($1.09)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (on hand)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream ($1.99 for 2 c.)
• Basil leaves, for garnish (omitted)

Cheesy Garlic Bread:
• 1/2 store-bought garlic bread (save other half for Pizza) ($2.01)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ($0.51)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix (on hand)

Directions
Bring large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning mix and red pepper flakes, if using. Sir frequently and cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add sausage and cook for 1 minute. Add can of crushed tomatoes, stirring all the ingredients together to combine. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste and let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and mix well.
Drain the pasta and add directly to the skillet with the sauce Toss the pasta to coat with the sauce. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with basil leaves. Serve with the cheesy garlic bread.

For the cheesy garlic bread:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Sprinkle cheese and Italian seasoning over garlic bread half. Place on tinfoil lined baking sheet and cook in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bread is warmed through. Slice and serve.

Verdict: My husband told me this was the best thing he had eaten in ages. His exact words were "I am going to build an altar to this pasta". It was pretty good I have to say. If you salt the penne water before you add the pasta, there is no need to salt the meat sauce. I may have added a little more pepper flakes because I love the spicy. It really was very very good. $9.10 (but have extra cream for other recipes).