When it comes to kids and dinner, there are a few must-have ingredients in your kitchen cupboard. For me? Canned tomato products (paste, sauce, crushed tomatoes) and pasta are at the top of the list. I’m a big fan of the Tuttorosso brand, flavorful but not heavy-handed, as a starting base for a pasta recipe. When the day is long and inspiration is short, I know I can whip up a quick pasta dinner, and the kids will be happy. And when they’re happy, I’m happy. It’s a pretty simple equation.
Although I have the occasional jar of pasta sauce on hand, I usually make homemade tomato sauce. Some days (usually the ones that start with an S), it means a long-simmering sauce on the stove. Others, it’s a quicker version. You can still make a very homemade tomato sauce with pantry staples and skip the jar stuff. Which is much better for you. In my humble opinion, of course.
In my ongoing guilt over not making enough Italian food, I decided tonight was a good night for stuffed shells. I haven’t had them in f-o-r-e-v-e-r, it’s easy for a weeknight dinner, and everyone can leave the table with happy, well-fed, warm little tummies. Even this happy little sous chef.
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