Rachel Rathman, a frequent contributor to "Simply Cooking," shares a favorite recipe, Pasta Carbonara with Broccoli and Ranch Taco Chicken Salad.

"Adding bacon and veggies to jarred pasta sauce adds a lot of flavor to this recipe!" Rathman says.

Pasta Carbonara with Broccoli

4 slices bacon, chopped

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

14.5-ounce jar Alfredo sauce

8 ounces uncooked rotini

3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Cook bacon and discard drippings. Add onion and garlic to bacon and saute 3 minutes. Stir in sauce, and cook three minutes longer. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last three minutes of cooking time. Drain pasta and broccoli and toss with sauce.

Rachel Rathman,
Grand Island