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Weight Watchers: Avoid Food Boredom

Posted at 9:41 AM, Apr 09, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-09 09:41:11-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Lisa Crozier from Weight Watchers shares ideas and recipes on how to refresh your food routines and avoid boredom.

Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage:

8PointsPlus Value Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 35 min Serves: 8

Here’s a comfort-food classic, a dish that’s sure to get everyone to the table the minute it comes out of the oven.

Ingredients
  • 3/4 pound(s) uncooked turkey sausage(s), spicy-variety, casings removed
  • 1 medium uncooked onion(s), chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper(s), chopped
  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 10 oz frozen green peas, thawed
  • 2 Tbsp canned tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seed
  • 1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 12 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, ziti, cooked according to package directions
  • 6 oz shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.  Crumble the sausage meat into a large saucepan and brown over medium heat, stirring often, about 4 minutes.

Drain off any fat, and then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, peas, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring often.

Stir in the cooked pasta and half the cheese. Spread evenly into a 9- X 13-inch baking pan. Top evenly with the remaining cheese.

Bake until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature before slicing into 8 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.