Convenience Stovetop Casserole

This is for those nights when nothing has been planned, but you are still looking for some comfort food.

Serves 2+

olive oil onions garlic		Cut one large onion in half, then into wedges, and saute in olive oil. Add one or two cloves garlic (minced), and saute some more.
meat		We often use 1-2 chicken-based sausage (from Trader Joe's or your local grocer) - the basil-based ones are very nice, the chipotle-based ones will add a LOT of flavor. (If the sausage is frozen - first zap them in the microwave.) OR you can use whatever leftover meat is in your fridge, Add the meat, cut into bite-size pieces to the onions and cook some more.
whatever   extra		leftover chicken broth mushrooms (cook with the meat) olives artichokes sun-dried tomatoes broccoli (for color) - throw into the pasta for the last 4-5 minutes of cooking.
pasta		Meanwhile, cook up your favorite pasta - I like penne rigate as it still has a nice 'bite' after cooking, and cook till a little underdone. When the pasta is nearly done, drain, and add to the onion/meat mixture. Add 'whatever' other ingredients you want, and stir till everything is warmed up, and the flavors blend.
black pepper parmesan (peas)		Add freshly grated black pepper, and shredded or grated parmesan and stir till melted. I like to also add frozen green petite peas** for color. Wonderful with a nice green salad and a drinkable red wine.

** if you end up making more than you can eat this evening, only add the peas to this evenings portion, as they turn an ugly green the next day!

Connie Clark