Red pepper and leek pasta with lamb meatballs

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When Charlie isn’t home for dinner I usually plan on eating leftovers or a salad or cheese and crackers (don’t judge).   But as we all know, plans often change and the age old question, “what’s for dinner?” is put into play.   For this reason I stock dry pasta in my pantry. I am the master of quick pasta dinner.  Seriously, if  you ever need a quick meal follow these instructions: 

Step 1: Pour yourself a glass of wine

Step 2: Cook pasta

Step 3: In some olive oil cook up random vegetables (world is your oyster here).  If you have garlic throw in some of that too 

Step 4: Deglaze the pan with some of that wine you’re drinking

Step 5: Toss cooked  drained pasta with vegetables.  Add some salt, pepper and crushed red pepper

Step 6:  Serve with a little Parmesan cheese  

Bam! Dinner is made.  

This recipe is an out-take from a quick pasta dinner I made last month when I was in the “what’ for dinner?” predicament once again.  I cooked up some red peppers and leeks that I tossed with whole wheat pasta.  I also had ground lamb that I made into meatballs that I quickly pan roasted.  I topped it all with feta cheese.  

Bam!  Dinner was served.  

What is your favorite quick meal?

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Red pepper and leek pasta with lamb meatballs

Prep Time 11 minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb box of whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 red pepper diced
• 1 leek washed and diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1/4 cup parsley chopped
• 3 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili flake
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

Pasta

1. Cook pasta in salty water until al dente and drain.
2. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil on medium heat. Add garlic. Sauté for 3-4 .
3. Add red bell pepper and leeks. Cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper and crushed chili flakes. Add white wine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir drained pasta into sauce and allow to cook for another 2 minutes.

Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, add ground lamb, parsley, salt, pepper, bread crumbs and egg.
2. Wash your hands, mix well and form into 1 inch balls.
3. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil.
4. Place meat balls gently into pan and cook for 10 minutes. Rotate balls so that they are brown on all sides. Turn off heat and rest in hot pan 2-3 minutes. If you have an electric stove, remove from hot burner.
5. Serve pasta with meatballs and top with feta cheese.