Improvising, Skillet Pasta

OK, so much hubby has issues with spaghetti.  I like homemade spaghetti for many reasons, including that it's EASY and FAST.  Well tonight was one of those nights, it was after 5 and I had no dinner plans.  I have shied away from that above mentioned dish most of the time because I only get complaints when I make it.  But he agreed tonight that was fine.  I had to get out the door to book group.  As I started cooking however I decided to "improvise" (which always scares Joey...I swear I get no appreciation!).  Inspired by Rachael Ray and the "Dinner Diva" I threw this together:

Skillet Pasta (Anyone have a better name, let me know)

Get Pasta cooking.  I used Penne.

Saute Veggies and pressed garlic in some olive oil until tender. (I used one chopped onion and some left over green peppers.  You could also add mushrooms, shredded carrots, whatever you have on hand.  You could also skip this step if your in a real crunch!)

Add 1 lb ground beef, brown and drain off fat.

Add 1/2 - 1 C oats.  (this may sound weird, but you can't taste it, it adds whole grain and some bulk to the meat, extending the food for just a few pennies)

Mix these until incorporated.

Add 1 jar store bought spaghetti sauce and 1 C cottage cheese.  Mix well.  Top with Mozzarella Cheese and let melt.  Serve over pasta.

You can also mix the sauce and pasta together, top with cheese and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, but this adds more time and more dishes...

The end result...Joey really liked it and Tyler had 3 helpings (he ate more than my husband!)