Penne Pasta Bake

I love the Macey's ad that comes out on Tuesdays. A--Because it usually has some pretty good deals in it. B--Because occasionally they throw in a recipe. They are usually pretty kid friendly and easy to make, that's my kind of recipe!

I saw this little beauty a couple of weeks ago and thought it was definitely something I could make quickly and that Little Miss Brynlie would probably devour. I was right on both accounts! Let us know if you try this out and what you and your family thought of it!

(I borrowed the image from here because my sisters thought mine didn't look too appetizing.)

1 lb. ground beef

1 medium yellow onion (optional--at least it was for me! :D)

1 garlic bulb

16 oz. pkg. of Penne Pasta

2 26 oz. jars of marinara sauce

6 oz. Provolone Cheese

8 oz. shredded Mozzarella Cheese

16 oz. sour cream

5 oz. Shredded Parmesan Cheese

**Cook Penne pasta until al dente; drain.

In a large skillet brown onion, garlic, and ground beef. Add spaghetti sauce and warm through.

Lightly Pam a 9x13 baking dish and layer as follows: 1/2 the pasta, 16 oz. sour cream, 6 slices of provolone cheese, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining pasta, 6 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, remaining sauce mixture and top with parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Pepperoni Pasta

This easy recipe will become a favorite with the kids but is still good enough to make even when the husband is home. When Nicki first told me about this recipe, I will admitt I was a little skeptical. But when I made it the first time, Grant and my kids devoured it, and it instantly became a keeper.

What you will need:

1 box spiral pasta

1 jar/2 cups marinara sauce

(my fave is here)

Pepperoni
Olives (optional)

Shredded Cheese

Step 1: Boil the pasta according to package directions.

Drain pasta well

Mix the pasta and sauce together.

Cut olives into chunks

Mix olives into pasta and pour into a casserole dish

Cover the pasta with pepperoni

Cover with cheese (generously). I used chedder and mozzarella but use whatever you have.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min. or until cheese is melted.

Chicken Parmesan

This is a well loved recipe among the Howe girls and our families. We fondly refer to it as Chicken Parm more often than not. Simply Delicious!

Breading:
1/3 c. bread crumbs
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 T. Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
3/4 T. Italian Seasoning

Chicken:
2-4 breasts (I use the giant Costco ones so I cut 2 of them in half)
2 eggs, beaten

**Mix breading ingredients together.
**Dip chicken into eggs and into breading mixture.
**Place on greased cookie sheet
(I use my pizza stone--it works amazingly well!)
**Bake at 350* for 10-12 minutes. Turn over and bake for 10-12 minutes more. Spoon marinara on chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until cheese is melted. Serve over (or with) pasta.

The BEST marinara sauce

My sis-in-law served an LDS mission in Italy and she taught me this super simple red sauce that she learned there. It is my go-to for a quick but yummy dinner. I use it with pasta, ravioli, tortellini, chicken Parmesan......I could go on but I'll stop now so you can get to the facts.

This is all it takes folks! Seriously!
If you don't like chunks use 2 cans of pureed tomatoes.
Or if you like bigger chunks just use regular diced tomatoes. I am all about the petite diced ones. I literally buy them by the case!
Oh and that is basil peeking out from the back row. I think it's one of the more shy spices. Heehee. You can also use fresh garlic if you would like, but I am in love with the little jar!!

So you throw it all in the pot!! Aaaaaaand your done.
Ok not quite.
I have no actual measurements I just throw in garlic and basil and grate the Parm over the pot until it all looks good. I do this all first before I get the pasta going. You want it to simmer for as long as possible. The longer the better!!

Here it is. Steaming right out of the pot. YUM!

Sorry it's blurry but I knew you were dying to see my plate of tortellini. Knowing the 'administrator' of this awesome blog she'll have it removed by midnight. Oh well.

I serve this up with a tossed salad and some yummy bread and we are good to go! And my Mr. will just eat the leftovers with a spoon. It's really just that good! Enjoy!

--Nicki

This is Kim adding some measurements for those of you that prefer to know a general amount. :)

1 can of petite diced tomatoes (I puree mine in the blender for no chunks!)
1 can tomato sauce
2-3 crushed garlic cloves
1/4 c. basil (more to taste--I use the dry spice)
1/2 c. grated or powder Parmesan Cheese (more to taste)