Take The Help When You Can

 You will never hear me being critical of anyone who has a shopping cart with convenience ingredients inside of it. I think we all need to take a little help where we can and if getting supper on the table means using a box rice mix, I say go for it! 

For our house taking some help from the store now and again doesn't bother me because I know my kids are still getting plenty of fresh meat, veggies, fruits....a well balanced diet. So that can of condensed soup, frozen chicken nuggets, box of macaroni and cheese occasionally doesn't haunt me. 

But let's talk about what the real tragedy is. The fact there are people in this country who are limited to processed, boxed foods because that is all they can afford. They would love to buy some fresh meat and produce, but the prices make it so they have to choose between that and paying the heating bill. So, they do what they can with what they have. 

For me, using these types of foods is a choice and that is why I will never judge those that is is a necessity. We have to do a better job in this country of making fresh, healthy food as budget friendly as the stuff we are constantly told isn't good for us. Every single person deserves to have access to better nutrition choices.

Okay, rant over. Let's talk about this recipe. Yes, it uses jarred Alfredo sauce. Can I make homemade? I sure can. I have a very easy, and delicious recipe for it; but for this recipe it's about a convenience factor for those extra busy nights. This flavorful sauce comes together in the time it takes the pasta to cook. We love it with penne, but it would be just as yummy with linguine, angel hair or even bowties. 

If you need a little help from the store to make sure your family is fed and full after a long day, don't apologize for it. In the past 2 years I think we've all learned a little more how scary empty shelves can be, and we can appreciate a meal, in whatever capacity it comes a little more. Use the jarred spaghetti sauce, make the casserole with condensed soup, heat up some frozen fish sticks...and then try to add some extra freshness in the next day's meal! 

 Creamy Marinara Sauce

2 lbs. penne pasta, cooked and drained

2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes, drained well

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, undrained

2 (15 oz.) jars Alfredo sauce

1 cup milk

1 TBS olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp. dried parsley

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

salt and pepper to taste

While pasta cooks, in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic in olive oil for 1 minute. Add undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well. After 3 minutes, add Alfredo sauce, milk and petite diced tomatoes. Bring to a bubble. Reduce heat, add seasonings and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often. When pasta is cooked, drain well. Return pasta to hot pot. Add about half the sauce to hot pasta and stir well. Top individual portions of pasta with more sauce.

Shared at Weekend Potluck