Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Rigatoni with Sausage and Peppers- OAMC (Meal in a Bag)

I love the convenience of those skillet meals-in-a-bag (think Skillet Sensations or Bertolli meals) but hate the sodium content...and the price!! Well, make your own! Easy, simple, and all set for a quick, homemade meal!


Ingredients:
1/2 box Rigatoni Pasta (or shape of your choice)
2 Sweet (or spicy) Italian Sausage links
1/2C. Ricotta Cheese
1C. tomato sauce
Red, green, yellow pepper slices (amount to your liking)

Directions:
Prepare the pasta shapes according to box directions. Drain, cool. When cool, scatter over a large cookie sheet covered in wax paper; freeze. (I coat mine with a little EVOO before freezing to help with sticking.)
Slice sausage into bite sized chunks. (Helps if the sausage is a little frozen...keeps it firm while slicing!) Brown in skillet. Allow to cool, then freeze.



Mix ricotta cheese and tomato sauce together. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. (may take a while!)


Slice peppers thinly and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Freeze.


When everything is frozen, place together in freezer bag.

Preparation:
When you are ready to cook, dump the contents of bag into a skillet over medium heat. Cover for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Continue to cook, stirring, until sauce cubes are completely melted and everything is heated through.

These also make wonderful gifts for giving to a new mom, homebound seniors, or anyone just needing a break from cooking!!

1 comment:

  1. I LOVE this idea - and this recipe!!!! Please keep these freezer bag recipes coming - I can use all the help I can get in the kitchen! (BTW, peppers and sausage are on sale at all my local groceries, so I think I may be stocking up on this one. . . good timing!)

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