Quick Trader Joe's Pasta with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 jar (24 oz) trader joe's italian tomato basil pasta sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• shallot
• garlic

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add 8 ounces of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water if needed.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in 1 jar (24 oz) of Trader Joe's Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms. This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.