Parmesan Baked Pasta

Recipe courtesy of California Ripe Olives.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound Italian-style poultry sausage, removed from casings
3 cups prepared marinara sauce
1/2 cup red wine
1 (6-ounce) can California Ripe Olives, halved
3/4 cup low fat ricotta cheese
1 (16-ounce) package whole grain penne pasta, cooked
1 cup Italian cheese blend, shredded
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

Cooking Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Stir in sausage and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Pour in marinara sauce and red wine and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of California Ripe Olives and ricotta cheese.
3. Toss with pasta and pour into a 3 quart casserole dish. Top with cheese and sprinkle with oregano and remaining California Ripe Olives.
4. Bake in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 20 minutes until golden brown and heated through.

Makes 8 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/8 of recipe): Calories: 440; Total Fat: 14g; Cholesterol: 45mg; Total Carbs: 51g; Protein: 25g; Sodium: 810mg.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of California Ripe Olives.