Easy Roasted Tomato Penne with Smoked Turkey & Mozzarella

Penne with Roasted Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

Cook/Bake Time 25 minutes
Prep Time 15 minutes

YIELD Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/4 teaspoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans (28 ounces each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2‑1/2 cups (8-1/2 ounces) uncooked penne pasta 1/2 pound reduced-fat smoked turkey sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices 1 cup (4 ounces) part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes, at room temperature 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover; simmer 15 minutes. Cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt; drain. Set aside; keep warm.
3. Place half of tomatoes in blender or food processor container; blend just until coarsely chopped. Add tomato purée to pasta; toss to combine.
4. Heat small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook and stir 3 minutes. Remove sausage to skillet with remaining tomato mixture. Cover; simmer over medium heat 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Add reserved pasta to skillet; toss to combine. Stir in cheese, basil and salt, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes This recipe makes about 3 cups of sauce. The tomato sauce would be good with any kind of pasta. You could also substitute fresh parsley for the basil. This recipe appears in: Pasta NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: Serving Size: 1 cup Fiber 4 g Carbohydrate 47 g Cholesterol 16 mg Saturated Fat 2 g Total Fat 4 g Calories from Fat 13 % Calories 287 Protein 15 g Sodium 969 mg DIETARY EXCHANGE: Vegetable 2 Starch 2-1/2 Meat 1