Whole Grain Penne Rigate

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.  Check out our privacy policy disclosure for more information.

This is a healthier whole grain pasta dish.  And, many of you have most of these items in your pantry and freezer.

We normally have a pasta dish one night a week.  I like switching it up and trying different combinations.  This recipe uses ground turkey and Italian turkey sausages and whole grain penne rigate.

Since we love pasta SO much, I can eat this dish and not feel entirely guilty.

 

This is a quick, easy meal that has less fat and calories than some penne rigate pasta dishes.

• no heavy creams
• no ricotta cheese or cream cheese

But still has all the great flavor!

Just substitute ground beef if that’s what your family is accustomed to.  Or try making it with just Italian sausages.

---

Penne Rigate with Italian Turkey Sausage and Ground Turkey

• 1 lb ground turkey 93% fat
• 3 Italian turkey sausages (with casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 jar tomato and basil marinara sauce (I used Aldi brand Simply Nature Organic pasta sauce)
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 envelope McCormick Thick and Zesty spaghetti sauce mix
• 4 oz can sliced mushrooms (Just omit if you’re not a fan.  I usually use fresh mushrooms sliced but was currently out)
• 8 oz whole grain penne rigate pasta
•  1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• salt and pepper
• crushed red pepper if desired

1. In a large, deep saucepan cook ground turkey and Italian sausages.
2. Add in chopped onion and garlic and continue cooking until done.
3. Reduce heat to simmer and add marinara, tomato sauce and McCormick seasoning.
4. In a large saucepan bring water to a boil and add pasta and salt to taste.  Cook 1-2 minutes LESS than as directed on box.  Do not overcook!
5. After pasta has cooked, before draining, take 1/2 cup of pasta water and add to the turkey and marinara mixture.
6. Drain pasta and then stir everything together in large sauce pan.
7. Add crushed red pepper, salt and pepper if desired.
8. Heat thru and serve immediately.

This makes quite a bit and we had some leftover which we reheated the next day.  If reheating just add a little water and reheat in a saucepan on the stove top.  Any pasta dish tends to soak up a lot of the liquid overnight.

Top with more crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese.  Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Try one of my other pasta recipes.

Dixie