Italian Sausage Pasta Toss

Who doesn't love pasta? Unfortunately, it can be laden with high calories and fat grams. This recipe is loaded with flavor from fresh herbs and veggies instead of heavy oils and red meat.

Your family will love it and they'll never know it is healthy. A recipe that is healthy but tastes decadent? Now that is MY kind of recipe.


Italian Sausage Pasta Toss
1 Pound Hot Turkey Italian Sausage
1/2 Large Onion
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Small Bell Pepper, sliced into strips
1 Cubanelle Pepper, sliced into strips
8 Ounces Mushrooms, sliced
1 - 15.5 Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes (Do not drain)
5-6 Leaves Basil or 1/2 Teaspoon Dried
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/4 Cup Italian Parsley, chopped
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 Pound Whole Wheat Penne Pasta

Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil to pan. Remove the sausage from the casings and break up into the preheated pan. Cook thoroughly. Meanwhile, cook 1/2 pound of pasta according to package(Remember to salt the pasta water).

Once meat is browned, push it to the sides of the pan and add the onion, garlic, pepper strips, and mushrooms to the middle of the pan. Salt and pepper the vegetables. Stir the veggies frequently and cook for about 10 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and herbs, stir all the ingredients together.

Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the water. Add the drained pasta to the meat and vegetable mixture. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and add just enough pasta water to make it all come together. Taste to see if it needs additional salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheese and fresh parsley.

I will linking to Foodie Friday. Grab a fork and come on over. La