Sharing Plate – Your Cooking Coach |

This is a really healthy dish. I went to the farmer’s market to see what looked good. I bought a large red pepper, some fresh, great looking red onion and a fresh baguette.
I wanted to make a sausage and peppers dish but with pasta and thought baking the dish would be a great idea-so that’s what I did. I had really good quality whole wheat pasta in my pantry and thought it would be great in this dish.

Last week I bought 5 pounds of fresh plum tomatoes and made some delicious sauce and froze it. I took one bag out to defrost and used it in the dish. I also had low fat shredded cheese- why not make it healthy all the way.

I love making these kinds of dishes when it starts to get cold. It was great to smell all the vegetables roasting in the oven. I also made garlic bread with the fresh baguette. I wish we had access to farmer’s market all year round- it is so great to be able to find fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally. The food tastes better and is good for you. My daughter enjoyed the pasta and the garlic bread. I was happy to feed my family and good, wholesome meal!

• 1 large or 2 small red peppers, cut into 1 inch squares
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1 inch squares
• 3 garlic cloves, with the skin on
• 4 links chicken sausage, cut into 1 inch circle
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

Preheat oven at 400 degrees.

In a large lined cookie sheet, mix the peppers, onions and garlic and place on one side and place the sausage side on the other. Drizzle olive oil and salt all over and mix well keeping the meat separate. Bake on 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Take the sausages out and continue baking the vegetables for 20 minutes. Take the vegetables out once they are golden brown and soft. Squeeze the garlic paste out of the skins and mix with the vegetables. Mix with the sausages and keep aside.

• 2 cups homemade or store bought marinara sauce
• 1/3 pound whole-wheat pasta, cooked al dente
• ¾ cup plus ¼ cup low fat grated cheese, any kind will do

In an oven-proof bowl, add the vegetable and sausage mixture with the sauce and pasta. Mix well and check for seasonings. Add 3/4 cup cheese and mix well. Sprinkle the ¼ cup cheese on top and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or till everything is nice and bubbly!