Uh, Oh. It’s the 5 O’clock Dinner Dilemma

You have probably heard me complain about having boring weeknight dinners and how it always seems like a 5 o’clock rush to figure out what will be on the table. I am pretty sure I speak for a lot of families when I say I have the “Dinner Dilemma” just about every day on my way home from work.

This added stress can be easily avoided with a little planning but who has time for that?! I thought I would make at least one day of your week a bit easier by sharing a great recipe, which can easily be made during the 5 o’clock rush to the dinner table. It comes from a great food blog named Picky Palate. It’s an extremely popular mom blog written by a lovely stay at home mom, Jenny. She shares all her highs and lows as a mother all while serving up some really good food! I made this last night and it was quick and delicious. Thanks, Jenny!

Penne With Fancy Chicken Sausage and Basil Ribbons
From Picky Palate

Ingredients:

½ lb whole wheat penne pasta, dry
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ white onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper finely diced
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 chicken sausage links, variety of choice, sliced into ¼ inch slices
10 fresh basil leaves, stacked, rolled and thinly sliced (chiffonade)
2-4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or medium dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sausage. Cook and stir for 5 more minutes. Stir in cooked pasta, basil leaves and 2-4 Tablespoons of olive oil.

Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Best, and until next time, Kaitlin!