Pasta with Turkey Sausage Ragu

So yummy, yet a ripoff from Weight Watchers!

 

1 # turkey sausage, casings removed

2 TB olive oil

1 medium red pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup red wine

1 1/2 TB minced garlic

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp salt

8 oz pasta (preferably whole wheat)

1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

While you're waiting for the pasta water to boil, heat a skillet and add 1 TB olive oil. Brown the sausage, breaking up the pieces with a large wooden spoon. Remove the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Heat remaining 1 TB oil in the same skillet, and add the onion and pepper. Saute over medium heat, about 5 minutes until vegetables are soft. Stir in garlic and wine, raise the heat to medium-high and cook until most of the wine evaporates, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and salt. Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package directions and drain, saving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Use the water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.

Add the pasta to the pot and add the basil. Toss all together.