I have continued exploring healthy alternatives for pasta and the latest noodle I have found and played around with is a blend of brown rice and quinoa. The blend helps create a more firm texture as oppose to the "mushy" outcome you may get from just a quinoa pasta. This bag of fusilli is also found at Trader Joe's and cooks beautifully. I was craving a hearty plate of pasta but didn't want to load on the carbs. So, I decided it was time to add a skinny version of a meat sauce and pasta meal to the blog. I was beyond thrilled about how this sauce and noodle created a completely satisfying and delicious meal. Even with the healthy alternations to this meat sauce, then pairing it with a gluten free noodle, you'd think it would be noticeable it's a healthy dish. Not at all! You would never know this is a lower-fat and lean meat sauce with gluten-free pasta packed with protein. Indulge guilty free!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey breast

• 2 28oz. cans of crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped

• 1 slice red bell pepper

• bunch of fresh basil leaves and fresh Italian parsley

• salt and pepper

• 3 gloves of garlic, diced

• olive oil

• 1 lb. pasta

Instructions

1. In a large deep pan, heat about 3 tablespoon of olive oil and add chopped onion. Sauté on medium heat for a couple minutes until onions become translucent.

2. Add diced garlic and fresh herbs. Stir and cook for about a minute then push to the edges of the pan to make room for the turkey.

3. Add the ground turkey to the center of the pan and season with salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue breaking up and cooking over medium until you no longer see pink.

4. Then, add the slice of red bell pepper. Add first can of tomatoes, then fill the can half way with water to rinse out the extra tomatoes and empty into the pan. Do the same with the second can, so you ended up with two can of tomatoes in the pan and about one can of water.

5. Drizzle some olive oil over top. Add some salt, raise heat a little and bring to a boil.

6. Once boiling, lower heat to medium low or low (which ever keeps it at a light bubble while it simmers), and simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Once the sauce is about done, fill a pot with water and boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Strain pasta and transfer to a serving bowl. Add the sauce over top and stir to combine. Serve with grated cheese and garnish with more fresh basil and parsley.

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