Cheese Ravioli & Fresh Salad

This is the perfect "I can't stand another drive thru but you have soccer tonight" meal....however last night it was more of a "work sucked, the laundry is all piled up, and you're all looking at me like "what's for dinner?" kind of meal. Either way...I felt better after dinner (which was done in about 15 minutes).

The Fastest Cheese Ravioli - Fresh Salad

- and Garlic Bread

What you'll need:

Cheese Ravioli (1 or 2 pkgs - deli section of store)

Spaghetti Sauce (1 can or jar)

Lettuce - Tomatoes - Onions - Cucumbers

Garlic Bread

The garlic bread will probably only take 4-6 minutes to bake but since this meal is done quickly you're going to want to start by pre-heating the oven to the temperature on the package. I did have frozen premade garlic bread tonight (you can find great coupons for this) but hamburger/hot dog buns, or bread can be buttered and sprinkled with garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper for a quick buttery side too.

Fill a large pot with water and heat on high until it boils. While you wait you can wash your lettuce and other veggies. I occasionally buy the bagged salad but if I have the time I like to wash lettuce and dry it in the salad spinner (that I'm so glad I invested in) and then put it in a gallon bag for later. (tip * put a paper towel folded in half in with the lettuce to keep the moisture from causing it to spoil.) Then, for a meal like this I can just pull out the bag of fresh clean lettuce and get to the rest of the meal.

When the water comes to a boil add the ravioli and reduce heat to med or med-high (don't forget to set a timer for the suggested time on the package). Put your lettuce in a bowl and chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Top the salad with the other veggies. These are just what I happened to have around at the time but I also love using peppers, onions, parm cheese, fresh mushrooms, or carrots. When your pasta timer is about 5 minutes from done get the garlic bread in the oven.

When the timer goes off strain the ravioli and put it back in the pot. And don't forget the garlic bread should be about done too. Pour the spaghetti sauce into the pot of ravioli (don't worry, the ravioli will heat the sauce). You can switch this meal up by using a different flavor of ravioli (meat, spinach, etc) or using alfredo sauce.

Serve with the salad and garlic bread.....and see....you still have time to fold the laundry :)