Penne with Asparagus and Marinara Sauce

Thought for the Day

Penne with Asparagus and Marinara Sauce 

Cook's Notes:

A light pasta meal the whole family will enjoy with spring's first vegetable, asparagus. Penne is tossed with roasted asparagus and topped with a marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.  It's quick and easy perfect for Meatless Fridays and/or Vegetarians. Ever Ready's special Marinara Sauce recipe below is easy using pantry staples.

Recipes serves 4 and can easily be increased for more servings. 

Ingredients: 

• One bunch of asparagus, stems removed
• 2-1/2 cups dried penne pasta 
• Marinara sauce(recipe below) 
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon squeeze

Directions:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange spears evenly not overlapping, drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.  
• Roast 400 15-20 minutes until al dente. Cut into smaller pieces and grate Parmesan cheese over the top. 
• Cook penne according to manufacture's directions but more on the al dente side. Add cooked penne to marinara sauce, toss in asparagus pieces.   

Ever Ready To-Go Marinara Sauce 
Cooks's Notes: Multiple uses for this sauce made with basic pantry shelf items. Make the sauce the day before as it tastes even more flavorful on the second and third days.
Ingredients: 

• 1 jarred Marinara Sauce (use your favorite brand) 
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) Diced Tomatoes, Basil, Garlic, Oregano  
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

• Place all ingredients in a large saucepan. Simmer uncovered on low one hour.

Another dinner option is adding cooked Italian sausage pieces to the dish

Social Commentary: The TP shortage, jokes etc just goes on and on and now today it's bad news for the cooks. In our area we now have an egg shortage!!

But more importantly than eggs or TP shortages is the news coverage showing the  staggering rise of numbers of cases confirmed and deaths. I feel so sad right now-the world needs prayers!