Summer meals are all about being easy, quick and fresh. If you have tomatoes, use ’em. If it’s bell pepper, use it. Whatever you have, you can toss into a simple penne with sausage and create a tasty and nutritious meal that is also very quick and very affordable.

Not only is this meal well under $10 bucks, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! Great for those days when time just doesn’t seem to be on your side.

Sausage and Tomato Penne:

2 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta – $.75
1/2 package (2-3) Spicy Italian sausage links – $1.75
1/2 diced yellow onion – $.25
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – $.75
1/4 lb bacon, diced – $.75
1 can diced tomato (I like the ones with basil added) – $.69
2 Roma Tomatoes, diced – $.50
1 Tbsp minced garlic – pantry
1/4 tsp. pepper – pantry
1 tsp. salt – pantry
1/2 tsp red chili pequin / flakes (optional) – pantry
1 tsp dried or fresh basil – pantry
1/2 tsp oregano – pantry
1 Tbsp Olive Oil – pantry

COST: $5.44

In a large skillet, cook bacon till crisp, drain and set aside. In same pan, cook sausage till near done. Then add diced onion and fresh tomato. Cook till onions are tender. Now add can tomato and seasonings. Stir and bring mixture to simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, covered.

In the meantime, cook penne according to directions. Drain pasta, toss with sausage and tomato mixture. Drizzle with Olive Oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with fresh Chopped Salad.

Chopped Romaine Salad with Egg:

One bunch, Romaine Lettuce, chopped – $.99
1 Roma Tomato – $.15
1 red Pepper – $.88
2 boiled eggs – $.66
1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds – $.50
Salt and Pepper to taste – pantry

COST: $3.18

GRAND TOTAL: $8.62