Here are some ideas we really like that are quick and easy!
Minestrone Soup: Boil 1 jar pasta sauce and 5 cups water. Stir in cooked small pasta, chopped mixed vegetables, canned beans, and grated Parmesan cheese; cook until vegetables are tender.
African Stew: Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and ginger with curry powder; add 1 jar pasta sauce, 2 cups water, 1 can white beans and a diced sweet potato; simmer until tender. Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter. (An Alternative- swap in white potatoes for the sweet potatoes)
Cream of Tomato Soup: Sauté chopped fresh herbs in butter; add 1 jar pasta sauce, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg; simmer for 5 minutes. (An alternative- swap whole milk for the heavy cream mixed with a 1 teaspoon of cornstarch)
Italian Eggs: Simmer 1 cup pasta sauce in a small skillet. Crack in 2 eggs, cover and cook until the whites set: top with pepper and grated parmesan cheese.
Pizza Potato: Make a deep slit in baked potatoes, then stuff with some pasta sauce, chopped pepperoni and shredded mozzarella; bake at 400 degrees F until the cheese melts.
Italian Meatloaf: Add 1 cup pasta sauce, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and some chopped rosemary to a basic meatloaf recipe (using 2 pounds ground beef). Bake; top with more sauce and cheese 15 minutes before it’s done. An alternative- swap the ground beef with a mix of sausage 50/50 mix.
Instant Salsa Mix: 1 cup pasta sauce with 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/2 cup corn kernels, chopped cilantro, diced red onion and a dash of hot sauce.
Here are some additional ideas from the Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-things-to-make-with-pasta-sauce
We believe in planning your meals for the week and using up everything you have in creative ways so that you aren’t bored with meal choices. Enjoy!