Affordable, Family Friendly Meals

Sept. 4, 2008 — -- As far as cuisine goes, affordable family meals are what most people are interested in during these sluggish economic times, and cook Rachael Ray has just what they're looking for. Get the taste and keep the cash with these tuna-based meals. Try out the recipes below and click here to check out more recipes from "GMA's" archive.

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons parsley and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Whisk in the butter, then stir in the tuna.

2. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente; drain. Add the pasta to the tuna sauce and stir in three-quarters of the remaining parsley; season with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining parsley.

Courtesy of Every Day with Rachael Ray September 2008 issue

Serves 4

Prep Time 15 min

Cooking Time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 pound penne rigate pasta

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

½ cucumber, seeded and coarsely chopped

¼ red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped

¼ cup finely chopped parsley

Salt and pepper

One 6-ounce can solid white tuna in water, drained and broken into chunks

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente; drain and spread onto a baking sheet to cool.

2. Meanwhile, pour the vinegar into a large bowl and whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Stir in the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and olives. Stir in the tuna. Top with the feta.
Courtesy of Every Day with Rachael Ray September 2008 issue