15-minute dinner

A single, 20-something co-worker told me today she couldn't fathom making dinner every night. Even a couple nights a week sounded completely overwhelming. I didn't tell her that next to putting my kids to bed, cooking dinner, even at 8 p.m., is my favorite part of the day.

Although it's nice to have a plan (aka recipe), mostly I just like to make something up. When I don't want to be in the kitchen long (like when Olympic skating airs), I sauté a few ingredients and call it a night. This dinner is always delicious and I can make it in 15-minutes flat.

Sausage Pasta Toss

couple handfuls of pasta (broken spaghetti, penne or bowtie)
olive oil
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 to 1 cup chicken or veggie broth
4 pre-cooked chicken sausages, sliced
can of beans (white kidney, chickpea or pinto), drained and rinced
couple handfuls of greens (spinach, swiss chard or kale)
salt and pepper
parmesan cheese

Cook pasta al dente and drain with beans. Heat oil and sauté garlic for a minute or two, add sausage and 1/2 cup broth. Bring to boil and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add greens, pasta and beans and more broth if needed. Season with salt and pepper and cook down for a couple minutes. Serve topped with parmesan.