Quickie Homemade Spaghetti

Main Dish: Quickie Homemade Spaghetti
By using jarred spaghetti sauce and adding protein and veggies, you lop off prep time while upping the nutritional value.
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
1 (6-ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1 carrot, finely grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound turkey sausage
2 (26-ounce) jars marinara sauce
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
12 ounces spaghetti
» Lightly spray a 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven with nonstick spray. Add olive oil, onions, pepper, mushrooms, carrot and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 minutes. Add the turkey sausage; cook and stir until cooked through. Add the marinara sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 15 minutes.
» Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and top with sauce.

Supporting Meals of the Week
1. Light cheese ravioli: Purchase frozen ravioli and top with your homemade sauce.
2. Pita pizza: Top pita bread with homemade sauce and mozzarella cheese. Microwave until cheese is melted.
3. Ziti bake: Combine cooked ziti or penne pasta with homemade sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and low-fat ricotta cheese. Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.
4. Minestrone soup: Combine homemade sauce, chicken broth, garbanzo beans, sliced carrots and leftover pasta in a large pot and simmer.