from a sandwich to pasta

Today at 5:00 PM, I will draw a name from a hat for a winner from all the comments given on Tuesday’s post – my own Ode to Trader Joe’s –  and that winner will be announced on tomorrow’s post. I’m using up the last of those Trader Joe ingredients, left from the sandwich, for this pasta. I spent $20.58 last Sunday (weekend shopping – yuck!) and made 3 full meals for a total of 14 servings. Even if you add in the few things I already had on hand; a couple of tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup white wine, parmesan, spaghetti…  that still comes to less than $2 per serving! Plus, all three dishes fit into the “Easy-Breezy” category – that cannot be beaten!

Pasta in a Hurry

1/2 pound dried whole-wheat spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
6 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 ounces of arugula leaves
1/2 pound cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1/3 cup freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cubed mozzarella-prosciutto cheese roll
Focaccia, if desired

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat, add oil and then stir-fry the garlic until just golden, about 1 minute, be careful to not burn. Quickly add tomatoes and wine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Toss in the arugula and stir for about 30 seconds, just to wilt. Stir in the chicken and heat through, about 1 more minute.

Add the parmesan and mozzarella roll just before serving