Cajun Sausage and Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

12-16 ounces smoked sausage
1 Tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning. How much to add depends on the brand you use and the heat level your family enjoys. I used the full 3 teaspoons
3 cups penne pasta
2 to 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Heat the oil over medium heat in a 10 or 12 inch skillet with a lid

Slice the sausage into rings

Cook the sausage, garlic, onion, and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes or until the sausage is brown and the vegetables are tender

Sprinkle with the seasoning

Add the pasta and chicken broth
Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer

Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or until pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed

Whisk together the milk and cornstarch
Add to pasta and sausage

Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until a sauce is formed.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ingredients

6 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 (medium size) cucumber, chopped
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup croutons (optional)
Caesar salad dressing, to taste

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain water and set aside to cool.

Chop the grilled chicken breasts into small chunks. In a large bowl toss together chicken, cooked penne pasta, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, green onion, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and croutons.

Drizzle with desired amount of Caesar salad dressing and toss to coat.

Easy Cheeseburger Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups (6 oz) Penne Pasta
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean) - or you can use ground turkey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
28 oz diced tomatoes
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
2 cups reduced fat grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain Well.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the beef and cook until browned; season with salt and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and mustard. Let the mixture bubble until it is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Season with your salt and pepper.

Put your noodles in the greased pan and pour your meat sauce on top. Slightly mix together your noodles and sauce. Cover with foil and cook for 20 minutes. Take it out of the oven and remove your foil. Add your cheese on top and stick back in the oven until the cheese is melted.  (5 to 10 minutes). Serve while it is warm.

If you decide to freeze do NOT add cheese just leave that off for now and add at time of baking.
 

Penne Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

12oz dry penne pasta, uncooked (12oz=3 cups)
1 pound ground sirloin beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained
1 can (6oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
Non stick cooking spray
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Brown meat with onions in a large skillet; drain. Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, the tomato paste and water; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
3. Spray 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add tomato mixture and 2 cups of the cheese; toss to coat. Spoon into prepared dish; sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 cup cheese.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until casserole is heated through and cheese is melted.