Fit Foodie Style Sausage & Pepper Pasta

A traditional Italian sausage link can cost you about 280 calories. A turkey Italian sausage link costs half that, 140 calories. When substituting any sort of ground turkey for ground beef the saving grace is seasoning. Ground turkey is more of a vehicle for flavorings of your choice, it can be very bland without it. Luckily, you can buy premade turkey Italian sausage for about $4 and the package will contain 6 servings.

SAUSAGE & PEPPER PASTA

3 oz. tri-color rotini pasta

2 turkey Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)

4 large white mushrooms - sliced

1 red bell pepper - sliced

1/4 cup white onion - sliced

1/2 jar of capers

1 1/4 cup tomato sauce

1-2 tsp. italian seasoning

1-2 tsp dry or fresh basil

sea salt

1 large clove garlic - minced

Makes 2 servings - 320 calories each

Cook your pasta per package directions, but do not over cook, it will cook more when added back in. Using a skillet or grill pan (I told you I love my grill pan!) begin cooking the sausage. I cut mine into bite size portions before cooking to speed the process, or you can cook the links whole. Once the sausage is mostly cooked add in all vegetables. Once the vegetables are cooked add in the tomato sauce and spices. Let simmer for 10 minutes on medium low to incorporate all the flavors. You may top with shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan if you wish.

For my vegetarian friends, add another vegetable or grilled tofu/seitan instead of sausage. 

For my vegan friends, leave out the sausage and the cheese, add more veggies!

Mmmm... comforting, warm, Italian food!