Sometimes the best meals are those done at the spur of the moment. You’ve been there: “What’s for dinner, honey?” Reply: “I don’t know, what we got?” You look around, and inspiration strikes. Or doesn’t. In which case, you order pizza. But what if you don’t want pizza? There’s the challenge. And this is one of those meals. I look in the fridge, and I have some shrimp. I look in the cupboard, and I find a can of Marinara sauce (or it can be spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or even tomato sauce). Th rest is history, and a great meal. Add a good crusty bread, and a red wine like a Chianti or Zinfandel (or whatever the hell you want, even a white wine), and you have a delicious spur-of-the-moment dinner. It may not be haute cuisine, but it hits the spot.

SHRIMP MARINARA

Instructions:

1 pound capellini (angel hair) pasta (or any favorite pasta)
1 can (24- oz.) Marinara, spaghetti, or tomato sauce
¼ cup dry white or red wine
1 pound large or extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

Instructions:

  1. Cooked pasta according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or skillet, bring the Marinara, spaghetti, or tomato sauce  to a boil. Add wine and shrimp. Reduce heat, add salt, pepper, and oregano. Cover, simmer for 7 minutes.
  3.  Drain pasta, place in a serving bowl. Pour sauce over pasta and serve.
    Yield: 4 or more servings.