CREAMY TOMATO-PEPPER PASTA

Serves 4 This creamy pasta dish is nearly as easy as opening a jar.
• 1 small onion, chopped • 2 tbsp. garlic, minced • 2 tbsp. olive oil • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped • 3 cups fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped • 1/4 cup non-fat half-and-half (available in the dairy section) • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated • 1/2 tsp. black pepper • 1 pound dry bowtie or penne pasta (red pasta, if you can find it), cooked and drained
Sauté garlic and onion in oil on medium-low heat until the onion is translucent, splashing in a few drops of water midway through cooking, if necessary, to prevent burning.
Bright and fresh both in color and flavor, it's power-packed with fresh tomatoes and red bell pepper.
Add bell pepper and sauté until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes.
Stir in tomato and bring to a simmer.
Turn the heat off, let mixture cool down for a minute or two, and gradually stir in half-and-half.
Add cheese and pepper, stir, and turn heat to low.
Cook until heated again, and serve over pasta.
Nutritional Analysis per serving: 567 calories 98 grams 19 grams protein 10 grams fat 2 grams saturated fat 4 milligrams cholesterol 196 milligrams sodium 7 grams fiber 17% calories from fat 2 "5 A Day" servings
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