In today’s economic times it’s important to save pennies any way that you can. While preparing my weekly menu I wanted to incorporate as many things from my pantry that I could. I have a tendency to LIVE at the grocery store. Nothing clears my mind like the aisles of a well stocked and diverse foodie heaven, but sometimes I can go a little overboard and tend to spend way too much. Here is what I like to call a pantry recipe, using ingredients that I already have on hand.

*Disclaimer: I didn’t measure the ingredients so these will be estimated to the best of my ability 🙂

Creamy Farfalle with Turkey

• 1 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Small Onion Chopped
• 1 Garlic Clove Minced
• 12 oz Lean Ground Turkey (an odd amount, but this is how much I had left)
• 2 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper
• 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Fire Roasted Tomatoes (I love Muir Glen)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Cup Chicken Stock
• 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1/2 Pound Farfalle
• 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 Shredded Parmesan

Heat the oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Add the next four ingredients (through the Italian Seasoning) and cook until turkey is browned.

Add the tomatoes and the next three ingredients (through the vinegar) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for twenty minutes. Stirring occasionally.

While the sauce is simmering cook pasta according to package directions.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste and add the heavy cream and parmesan. Serve over pasta.

I loved this pasta. It turned out so flavorful and delicious! The main thing that I would change is the consistency of the sauce. It wasn’t thick at all so I would add about a tablespoon of flour to the beef mixture then add the liquid to produce a thicker sauce. Some fresh Basil at the end would be extra delicious as well. Try this one out and let me know what you think!

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Lady Gaga!! I am LOVING Lady Gaga and her album The Fame. She is about to re-release her album, Fame Monster, with 8 new tracks and this is her debut single. Her eccentric style and pure pop beats make her one of my favorite pop artists at the moment. All of her songs make me want to dance and she ALWAYS has you wondering what she will do next. Enjoy her newest single Bad Romance.

Click on the pic to watch Bad Romance!