Ok…so I ALMOST didn’t miss the Cheese…

However, I tried a new trick with this one…I served in on the side that way everybody else could load up on it!  I CANNOT say enough about the power of freshly grated Parmesan cheese!  You don’t need much and the flavor sure packs a punch!  It is so worth the price!!

Pasta Amatriciana My version 

6 Points Plus

6 Servings

Ingredients

4 slices Turkey Bacon-chopped (I use Sam’s Club)

1 large onion, Chopped    

2 cloves garlic, Chopped or minced (medium)    

28 oz canned diced tomatoes    

1 t dried oregano    

1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes    

1 t table salt    

1/2 t black pepper    

1/2 C water    

4 oz canned mushrooms    

6 C cooked whole wheat pasta, (I used rotini)    

1 T dried parsley    

Instructions

Heat a large nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook, covered, shaking the pan occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, mushrooms, oregano, crushed red pepper, salt, ground pepper, and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, toss with the sauce, and sprinkle with the parsley.

I served with grated fresh parmesan and shredded mozzarella so people can add their own cheese! Make sure to count those Points Plus values though! I modified a recipe I found on the WW website to get this one. You can also play with the amount of crushed red pepper to change the amount of "heat".