Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (part-skim)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Add ground turkey or chicken along with grated carrot and chopped celery; cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for about10 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with meat sauce mixture.
  7. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and layer half of the pasta mixture into it.
  8. Spread half of the ricotta cheese on top followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Repeat layers ending with remaining mozzarella on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for about30 minutes; remove foil for an additional10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.