Long, tiring weekdays call for easy dinners. Ideally, dinners that someone else prepares and brings to my house. Or leftovers that can simply be heated and served.
The next best thing is something I can have on the table in as little time as possible. To make that happen, I sometimes turn to packaged convenience foods. In this case it is a box of macaroni and cheese. Adding some fresh vegetables and sliced sausage turned the boxed side dish into a meal.
If you slice the vegetables and sausage while the water heats, you'll have dinner from stove to table in less than 30 minutes.
Any cooked protein (canned or leftover beans, taco filling, chili, ham) can be substituted for the sausage.
Sausage and Veggie Mac and Cheese
1 (12-ounce) box Velveeta Shells and Cheese
1 scant tablespoon butter
1 red or yellow bell pepper, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 yellow squash, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 (2- to 3-ounce) links andouille or other smoked sausages, sliced
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta shells. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet melt the butter over medium heat. When butter is melted, add the bell pepper, squash, onion and sliced sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until bell pepper is tender and sausage slices plump and begin to curl.
Reduce heat to low, add the drained pasta and the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Cook until just heated through.
Makes 4 servings.
Food on 09/24/2014