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