BAKED PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS & TURKEY MEAT SAUCE

Baked Penne with Asparagus & Turkey Meat Sauce image

Provided by Jamallah Bergman

Categories Turkey

Time 1h35m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 oz whole wheat penne
3/4 lb thin asparagus,trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
olive oil cooking spray
3/4 lb lean ground turkey
3 c no salt added tomato sauce
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp sea salt or coarse kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 oz part skim mozzarella cheese,grated (1cup),divided
1/4 c parmigiano-reggiano, grated

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook penne according to package directions. When pasta is 1 minute from being done, add asparagus and boil for 1 minute; drain and return to pot.
2. Meanwhile, coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat to medium-high; add turkey and cook,stirring often, until lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add tomato sauce, basil, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and simmer until through, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add turkey meat sauce to penne and asparagus and stir to combine.
4. Lightly coat a 2 qt baking dish with cooking spray; add 1/2 the penne mixture and sprinkle with 2/3 of the mozzarella. Add remaining penne, then spinkle remaining mozzarella and top with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Try garnish with fresh oregano or basil, if desired.