Quick Pasta w/ Chunky Tomato Sauce

We're getting down to the last of the ingredients I bought on my big shopping trip almost two weeks ago. My cupboards are nearly empty and I don't have any fresh veggies left, but I feel triumphant. I used up almost everything I bought and then some, wasting little and eating well. This weekend I'll post my new shopping list and begin exploring another set of recipes for cheap and healthy green eats.

BUT, before we shop again, we need to eat! Last night, as my fridge (and five-year old) screamed "Feed Me!" Daddycrat took the reigns and started a simple pasta sauce for me while I drove home. I love him. And the sauce was delicious.



For a Pasta with Chunky Tomato Sauce we used:

1 Package Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice Pasta $1.99/16 OZ bag (The best price and taste you'll find for gluten-free pasta)
2 Cans Organic Tomato Sauce $1.98 - @ $.99/can
1 Can Organic Diced Tomatoes with juice $1.89
Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese $.50 - @ $5/wedge or $2.69 grated Trader Joe's Parmesan/Romano
1 Diced Onion $.69
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon dried Basil
Optional - Splash or two or three of red wine $3.99 - $infinity/ bottle

Total Price: $7.05

Start boiling your water now. Half way through your sauce assembly it will be ready for your pasta.

Using a saucepan, saute diced onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Splash, splash, pour your red wine into the onions and saute for a minute or two until the alcohol burns off. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and basil. Let simmer on a low heat for about 45 minutes.

Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over hot pasta with cheese, cheese, cheese!