SAUSAGE PENNE BAKE

Sausage Penne Bake image

No one will guess a dish this cheesy and filling could be healthy, but this one's chock-full of eggplant, whole wheat pasta, tomatoes and fabulous flavor. -Barbara Kempen, Cambridge, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
3/4 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine or chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage, eggplant and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain., Add wine and garlic, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Drain pasta. Add the pasta, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, olives, basil and pepper to skillet., Transfer to a 3-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 325 calories, Fat 11g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 623mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges