Main CourseHow to Make Healthy Comfort Foods - Even Suitable for Diabetics - Using Pasta
Pasta recipes that are comforting, inexpensive, easy, quick, nourishing, and healthy.  Perfect meals to feed your family. Choose from Tomato Basil Rotini with Chicken or the Quick and Easy Turkey Manacotti for a tasty, healthy, main course for your dinner table. TIP: When using ground chicken or turkey meat always check the label to be sure you are purchasing low fat. You don"t want the ones that are loaded with ground skin and extra fat.
TOMATO BASIL ROTINI
12 oz pkg whole-wheat rotini
2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
1 1/4 cups pasta sauce
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced OR 1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced thin
Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, sauce, basil, olive oil, garlic and chicken. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Serve warm.
QUICK AND EASY TURKEY MANICOTTI
2 slices bread, preferably whole-wheat
1 1/2 lb lean ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz manicotti shells, cooked and drained
1 jar (30 oz) spaghetti sauce
Soak bread in some water to soften; squeeze to remove excess water. Tear bread into small pieces; set aside. In a medium skillet, over medium heat, cook the turkey, onion, garlic, salt and pepper until meat is no longer pink and onion is tender; drain. Return meat to skillet and stir in the bread and the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; mix together well. Spoon mixture into the manicotti shells. Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan. Arrange the manicotti shells over the top of the sauce and pour the remaining sauce over the shells. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings.
Enjoy!