Pronto Penne Pasta (7.5 Points, 9.5 Points Plus)

Serving Size = 1 cup
(This makes a very large amount of food. I chose not to put in the cayenne and served it and the Parmesan on the side. This made it much more kid-friendly.)

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups Whole wheat pasta uncooked
1 pound Italian turkey sausage links casings removed
1 medium Red onion chopped
1 medium Green pepper chopped
1 can (14 oz) Diced tomatoes undrained
1 can (14 oz) Chicken broth reduced-sodium
2 cloves Garlic minced
2 teaspoons Dried tarragon
2 teaspoons Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
1/4 cup All purpose flour
1/2 cup Skim milk
1/2 cup Reduced Fat Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan grated

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile crumble sausage into skillet coated with cooking spray. Ad onion and green pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in the tomatoes, broth, and remaining spices.
2. In a small bowl, combine flour and milk until smooth. Stir into sausage mixture. Bring to a boil, cook and stir fro 2 minutes or unitl thickened.
3. Remove from the heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Drain pasta. Toss with sausage mixture. Sprinkle each serving with 2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup equals 373 calories, 11 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 55 mg cholesterol, 800 mg sodium, 45 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 24 g protein.

Healthy Cooking: Taste of Home April/May 2008

Mexican Corn Bread Pizza (7.6 Points, 9.5 Points Plus)

Yields: 6 Servings

Ingredients

1 package Cornbread mix 8 1/2 ounces
1/3 cup Skim milk
1 Egg beaten
1 cup Frozen corn thawed
1 pound Ground turkey extra lean
1 small Onion chopped
1 small Red bell pepper chopped
2 Jalapeno peppers seeded & chopped
3 tablespoons Taco seasoning reduced sodium
1/2 cup Water
3/4 cup Reduced fat mexican cheese shredded
1 small Tomato
1/4 cup Olives sliced
2 Green onions chopped
6 tablespoons Reduced fat sour cream

Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine the corn bread mix, milk and egg. Stir in corn just until blended. Spread evenly into a 8X8 or 9X9 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the turkey, onion, red pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
3. Spoon turkey mixture over corn bread; sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with tomato, olives and green onions. Cut into six wedges; top each with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge equals 354 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 82 mg cholesterol, 793 mg sodium, 43 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 25 g protein.

Taste of Home : Healthy Cooking Magazine April/May 2008