Asparagus Parmesan Penne

A quick and easy recipe that will please the whole family.

Serves 8 (serving size: 1 1/3 cups)

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• Cooking spray
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups presliced mushrooms
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 3/4 cups fresh asparagus, cut in one inch pieces
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided

Preheat broiler.

Cut bell pepper in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and cut into strips.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Add mushrooms; cook 4 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Add bell pepper, crushed red pepper, and the next 5 ingredients (through tomatoes). Bring to a simmer; cook for 7 minutes. Stir in asparagus; cook 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Combine mushroom mixture, pasta, and 1/4 cup cheese in a large bowl, tossing well to combine. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese over pasta.

Per Serving: 262 Calories; 3g Fat (9.0% calories from fat); 1g Saturated Fat; 11g Protein; 49g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 4mg Cholesterol; 343mg Sodium.
Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 0 Fat.