Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage
8 PPV (Weight Watchers Points Plus Value)
Ingredients
| 3/4 pound(s) uncooked turkey sausage(s), spicy-variety, casings removed (if using mild, add more seasoning including red pepper flakes) | |
| 1 medium uncooked onion(s), chopped | |
| 1 medium green pepper(s), chopped | |
| 28 oz canned diced tomatoes | |
| 10 oz frozen green peas, thawed | |
| 2 Tbsp canned tomato paste | |
| 1 tsp dried oregano | |
| 1 tsp dried basil | |
| 1/2 tsp dried thyme | |
| 1/2 tsp fennel seed | |
| 1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste | |
| 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground | |
| 12 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, ziti, cooked according to package directions (or probably any similar pasta shape - I used penne) | |
| 6 oz shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese |
Instructions
- Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Crumble the sausage meat into a large saucepan and brown over medium heat, stirring often, about 4 minutes.
- Drain off any fat, then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, peas, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme,
fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat
and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and half the cheese. Spread evenly into a
9- X 13-inch baking pan. Top evenly with the remaining cheese.
- Bake until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature before slicing into 8 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.
I'm surprised to say - this even freezes and reheats well! It's very satisfying, especially with a salad. I'm not a huge pasta fan (anymore), but this satisfies the rare cravings. I thought the peas would be weird and unnecessary increase in PPV, but they work really well with the dish.
