We’re busy busy busy this week, getting ready for our first real trip to the new house in the mountains. This weekend is fall break, so there is no school on Thursday and Friday. Last night we had to finish packing and then try to squeeze in all the stuff we keep finding to take with us into the car, and still leave room for Hannah and Rosie, our 95 pound lab. Got home at dinnertime (since I had to backtrack to school yesterday to pick up the friend I forgot), and I didn’t want to do takeout. Where we live, if you want to have food delivered you’re limited to pizza or greasy chinese food, and neither sounded appealing. Here’s what I make when we don’t have much time, and J and H love it.

Pasta and Meatballs

First, boil water for pasta (whatever we have on hand, but the smaller noodles like angel hair or mini bowtie tend to cook faster). While pasta is cooking I chop up an onion and maybe a red pepper. I take a spoonful of chopped sun dried tomatoes in oil (which I buy in large quantities at Costco and keep in the refrigerator), and heat over medium in a large saucepan. The oil from the tomatoes is usually enough for sauteeing the onions and peppers. When they’re soft and onion is almost translucent i add a chopped garlic clove or two (also already chopped in jar in fridge). If I have a small bag of baby spinach, I’ll add that until it wilts down, then a small jar of prepared tomato sauce or petit diced tomatoes. Add whatever spices you like (basil, oregeno, salt and pepper), then a package of Aidell’s chicken meatballs (which I keep in the freezer to have onhand). While it’s all heating together I set the table and drain the pasta and add to the sauce. Then it’s ready to serve. Usually takes me about 20-25 minutes from start to finish and it’s so delicious. Makes the kitchen smell good, too!