Easy College Eats

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

15 Sep 2009 04:53 AM

Outside the dining halls, college students typically survive on mac and cheese, ramen noodles, cereal, and beer. But it doesn't have to be that way.

There are thousands of simple and inexpensive recipes even a busy college co-ed with limited cooking resources can whip up.

The following easy dishes prove that you don't have to be a skilled chef to make a nutritious and delicious meal:

SPICY ITALIAN SAUSAGE WITH BOWTIE PASTA

Ingredients:

1 (12-ounce) package bowtie pasta

2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup diced onion

1 cup sliced red pepper

1 cup sliced yellow pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon salt

Grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons fresh chopped basil

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente, drain.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.

Cook sausage and pepper flakes until sausage is just about completely cooked and no longer pink. Add onions and peppers and quickly saute. Add garlic. Stir in tomatoes, cream, and salt. Simmer until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.

Stir cooked pasta into sauce, and heat through.

Sprinkle with cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

RAMEN SALAD

Ingredients:

2 (1-pound) bags coleslaw or broccoli slaw

1 cup green onions, sliced

2 packages ramen noodles, broken up

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup cashews

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 cups diced cooked chicken

Ingredients for Dressing:

2 packages oriental flavored ramen noodle seasoning

1/3 cup rice wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions:

Toss together nuts, noodles and sesame seeds. Spread on a cookie sheet and toast in a preheated 325-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes until the noodles and nuts just start to turn golden. Remove from oven and let cool.

Whisk together dressing ingredients.

Toss slaw and chicken with dressing and nut mixture right before serving.

Do not add dressing until just before serving.

Related Articles:

Quick and Easy Dinners

Quick and Easy Weeknight Recipes

Quick and Easy Back-to-School Dinners

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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