Turkey Veggie Pasta

I've been trying to eat more brussels sprouts.  I "didn't like them" as a child but to be honest, I'm not really sure that I ever had one. I found this recipe that called for brussels sprouts in pasta and my mind was blown.  I don't think I've ever seen something like that before so I decided to give it a shot!

This pasta is delicious and full of veggies.  I really believe that kids would love it.  The turkey and sausage give it a meaty texture without all of the fat that comes with beef a lot of times.

Turkey Veggie Pasta:

(adapted from Skinnytaste)

Ingredients:

1 sweet or hot pork sausage link, casing removed, crumbled

3/4 lb 93% lean ground turkey

4 tsp olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz brussels sprouts, weight after outer leaves and stems removed

1 small onion, diced small

1 carrot, peeled and diced small

2 celery stalks, diced small

28 oz crushed tomatoes

1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
pinch crushed red pepper
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1 lb high fiber, low carb or whole wheat pasta (brown rice pasta for gluten free)

In a large skillet heated over medium-high heat add the sausage and turkey. When the meat is completely cooked through and crumbled into small pieces set aside in a bowl.

Cut the brussels sprouts into thin shreds.  A food processor is awesome at this, but a sharp knife works just as well.

To the skillet, add 2 teaspoons of oil and turn the heat down to medium heat. When hot, add the shredded brussels sprouts, garlic, salt and pepper.  Sauté until everything is tender and starting to crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.  Set aside in another bowl.

In the same skillet add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil and turn the heat back up to medium-high. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables turn golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure you stir everything occasionally.

After the veggies are night and brown add the can of crushed tomatoes, sausage and turkey, bay leaf, crushed red pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer about 20 - 30 minutes, or until the sauce is nice and thick.

While sauce is simmering prepare the pasta according to the package directions. 

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet.  Toss everything together with the cooked brussel sprouts and enjoy!