SPICY TURKEY PASTA

This dish calls for whole grain pasta, lean protein, and loads of tomatoes. It is a one-dish meal (though not in the preparation 🙃). This combination will leave you feeling satisfied from the balance of spicy flavors, with fewer carbs, for better portion control and fewer calories overall.

INGREDIENTS
½ medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey (or other lean meat or meat substitute of choice)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you really like to spice things up!)
1 Tablespoon basil
½ Tablespoon oregano
28 ounce can diced tomatoes, no salt added
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
12 ounces whole grain pasta
Nonstick cooking spray
Optional toppings: fresh Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley

PREPARATION
Place a large sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 5–6 minutes, until onions start to brown. Add turkey and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, until the turkey begins to brown, stirring frequently to break turkey meat apart. Lower heat to medium-low. Add salt, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, and tomatoes (with liquid). Stir well and heat another 5–6 minutes, until warm. Reduce heat to low and stir in balsamic vinegar. Prepare pasta according to package directions (make sure to just use 12 ounces for this dish). Place pasta in a large serving bowl, mix in 3/4 of turkey sauce. Top with remaining turkey sauce and optional toppings. Makes 4–5 servings.