Healthier Versions of Old Favorites

One of my favorite cuisine is Italian, so I took the dish I always order at my favorite locally owned Italian Restaurant and made a healthier version of it...and it turned out wonderful.

First I used Wheat Penne Pasta...Second I used Ragu's Heart Smart sauce...Third I used Italian style Chicken Sausage...Fourth I used Skimmed Ricotta Cheese...and Fifth I used half of the amount of Mozzarella Cheese  I would normally use in a baked pasta dish.

Here is a link to making this dish: http://www.youtube.com/user/mysterychef1

Baked Penne with Sausage & Peppers Recipe:

Ingredients:

½ Box Wheat Penne Pasta

1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)

1 package Chicken Italian Sausage (cut into ½ inch pieces)

1 jar Heart Smart Spaghetti Sauce

½ teaspoon Minced Garlic

1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

2 Tablespoon Low Fat/Skim Ricotta Cheese

1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Low-Fat

Salt for cooking Pasta

Instructions:

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Cook penne pasta according to directions on the box. While pasta is cooking sauté bell pepper and add sausage; cook for 5 minutes. Once peppers and sausage is done; add spaghetti sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about another 5 minutes. Once pasta is drained add the sauce mixture and Ricotta Cheese; mix well. Pour into baking dish; top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 13-15 minutes.

Makes 2-4 servings.

If you don’t want to make it a ‘healthier’ dish, use regular penne pasta, Italian sausage, spaghetti sauce, and ricotta cheese… as well as much more mozzarella cheese.

Disclaimer:

I am in no way compensated by the companies shown in the video. I purchased the products for my own use. Photo by: Anita Coleman.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Until next time...make your days healthier and that will make you happier.

Mysterychef1