Hurry Up and Eat – Parmesan Penne

How many PB and J’s have you made this week?  I’m betting I’ve made at least twenty two in the two weeks that my older kids have been out of school, so we branched out today and had some little Parmesan Penne (we actually used Ziti) to add a little variety to our lunch time menu.

This is incredibly easy, really, really cheap, and my picky kids loved it!  It also makes a LOT, so you’ll have a few days worth of lunch without much effort at all.  And I’m betting if you break down the prices, you’ll spend less than $2 TOTAL (if that much) for eight servings – so you’ll save OODLES of money at the drive-thru, and can run to Sonic for BOGO Sonic Milk Shakes instead!

Here’s all you’ll need . . .
1 lb. dry penne pasta
Ronzoni Pasta BOGO $1.39, use $.75/2 Target coupon from 4/25 RP (not included in North Alabama area)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Kraft Advantage Buy $2.50

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Even less if you have picky kids like mine who will see the green and freak out!

2 tablespoons olive oil
$1/1 Pompeian Olive Oil, OlivExtra Original, or OlivExtra Plus
$0.50/1 Pompeian Red Wine, Pomegranate or Balsamic Vinegar
$1/1 Pompeian Olive Oil 5/23/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)
$1/2 Pompeian 5/23/2010 RP Insert (exp 7/31/2010)

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Cook penne according to package directions.  Toss with remaining ingredients, Season with salt and pepper.  You could also add some leftover chicken and veggies (I added leftovers from our Blackened Chicken Fajitas) for a little more grown up meal.  I’m betting your (older) kids could almost make this one themselves!

Thanks to I Heart Publix and Two Thrifty Sisters for the coupon matchups. And be sure to visit $5 Dinner Mom for even more great bargain meal deals!