So Thursday I didn't get what I was supposed to at the store and I didn't know what to make for dinner on Friday evening. I asked Lori and she says "I want spaghetti and meatballs with mushrooms and zucchini. Use the vodka sauce I bought last week." Damn. That's about as specific as one can get. Normally I have to twist arms and fingers just to get half an answer. This time she was on the ball and gave me a quick answer. Great. So here is a recipe that requires just 20 minutes and some quick fingers. I know everybody has their own recipe for some pasta and sauce but I like this one. You will too. Believe it! (For all the Naruto fans out there.)

Linguini + Meatballs w/ mushrooms and zucchini in a store bought vodka sauce.

 Ingredients:

(1) 16oz. jar of Whole Foods vodka sauce. Its actually quite tasty. 

(x) amount of spaghetti for x-amount of people eating. I used linguini instead, and way too much of it as well. As much as I cook, I was never good at figuring out how much pasta to use. Oh well.

(3) medium sized button mushrooms, cut into thin slices

(1) large zucchini, cut also into thin slices

(1/4) cup of seasoned breadcrumbs

(1) egg

(1/4) cup of milk

(1) lb. of ground meat (You can do this Swedish style and do half beef and half lamb, which is really tasty.) 

(1) Tbsp of olive oil 

some spices. I leave this part up to you. 

Step 1:

Put your water on the stove-top to start boiling. While that is happening, we can make some meatballs. Mix your milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs in a medium sized mixing bowl by hand. BY HAND! I'm just kidding, you can use an egg beater. At this point add whatever spices you deem necessary. I used tarragon, parsley, ground pepper, sea salt, and paprika. One teaspoon of each. Be creative here and add whatever you like.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. It is crucial to do this early. 

Step 3:

Mix in your ground meat, by hand, and then separate into little balls on an oven ready tray. Make the balls the size of...well...balls I guess. Be sure to spray your tray down with some non-stick spray first. Pop the meatballs in the oven for about 17-20 minutes. Use a timer.

Step 4: 

You should have a nice healthy boil by now. Throw in the pasta and let them do their thing. While that is happening, sauté the already cut zucchini and mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Once done add the entire jar of sauce to the pan. Simmer on low heat for a few. Don't let the sauce boil! If you do, the sauce starts to separate into its respective ingredients.

Step 5:

Add the finished meatballs to the sauce and viola! You got yourself a spicy meatball sauce. Try it. I dare you.