Weight Watchers Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 lb extra-lean ground turkey or chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Turkey pepperoni slices (enough to cover the casserole)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta:
   • Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or chicken over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Mix until well combined.
6. Layer in Casserole Dish:
   • Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Add Pepperoni Slices:
   • Arrange turkey pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
10. Portion and Calculate Points:

• Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into portions. Calculate the Weight Watchers points based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.