Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage

This is a really tasty dish that is worthy of any Sunday meal (although I usually make it during the week).

Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage
Serves: 8
Points: 5

Ingredients

3/4 pounds raw turkey sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
28 oz canned diced tomatoes
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 black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 tsp salt (I like to use kosher salt)
12 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta (ziti) cooked according to package directions
6 oz shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

1) Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees

2) Crumble the sausage meat into a large saucepan and brown over medium heat, stirring often, about 4 minutes.

3) Drain off any fat, then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.

4) Stir in the tomatoes, tomat paste, oregano, basil, thyme, fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring often.

5) Stir in the pasta and half the cheese. Spread evenly into a 9x13 baking pan (I spray with some cooking spray before hand). Top evenly with the remaining cheese.

6) 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.