Easy Weeknight Dinner

Now a days, things are slightly different. Two young kids, a husband, a farm and a full-time job, keep my baking mostly on the back burner. Though cooking sometimes at times, depending on how much time we have from day-to-day. I'm sure many of you can relate.

On that note....why not delve in to one of my all-time fav recipes to make on a weeknight, with staple ingredients always in the fridge or freezer, and not a lot of time!

One Pot Cheesy Smoke Sausage Pasta

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb Smoked Sausage

½ cup diced Onion

1 Tbsp minced Garlic

2 cups Beef Broth

1 (14 oz) can diced Tomatoes

½ cup Milk

8 oz dry Fusilli (spiral-shapped) or Penne (long-tubed) Pasta

½ teaspoon Salt and Pepper, each

2 cup shredded Medium cheese

¼ tsp of Red Pepper Flakes, optional

⅓ cup chopped Scallions, optional for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Place olive oil into your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sausage. Cook for 5 minutes or just until slightly browned. Add garlic and all seasonings - sauté for 2 more minutes.

Add beef broth, tomatoes, milk, and pasta. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower heat and cover for 15-20 minutes, or until liquid has been absorbed into the pasta and it is al-dente.

Stir in cheese.

Plate and garnish.

ENJOY!

You can substitute pretty much any of the items for versions that are more suited to personal preference, individual tastes, dietary restrictions. I have used many different cheeses, as long as they melt easily; changed up the pasta, as long as it can hold up to being stirred.

I find this an easy meal any time of year, as you could eat it cold with a side salad for lunches. It is especially delicious on a cold, wet or wintery day, for playdates with kids or a homey meal with your family.