Ingredients

3 cups uncooked rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian turkey sausage
1 can crushed tomatoes , undrained
3 garlic cloves , finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves , chopped
8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
1 jar roasted red peppers , drained and chopped
1 cup parmesan cheese , shredded
2 1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
Seven-Layer Rigatoni is a classic Italian baked pasta dish that is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. This version uses turkey sausage, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers in a tomato-based sauce, which is then layered with rigatoni and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The result is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a chilly winter evening. While this dish is certainly not low-calorie, it is nutrient-rich due to the variety of vegetables in the sauce.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.Cook pasta according to package directions.
3.In a large skillet, cook turkey sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
4.Add garlic, mushrooms, and basil to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are softened.
5.Add in the crushed tomatoes and roasted red peppers and simmer for 10 minutes.
6.Layer the cooked rigatoni in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
7.Top the pasta with the tomato mixture, followed by the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8.Repeat layers ending with the cheese on top.
9.Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10.Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11.Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

PROS

This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting dinner.

The variety of vegetables in the sauce makes it nutrient-rich and flavorful.

CONS

The dish is high in calories and fat due to the cheese and sausage.

It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The dish contains several nutrient-dense ingredients such as mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and tomatoes.
These vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and have been linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

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