Ingredients

  • 4 slices turkey bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 green pepper, seeded and quartered
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and halved
  • 3 stalks celery, with tops halved
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
  • 1 (10 ounce) package whole mushrooms
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 14 cup zesty Italian dressing (your favorite "lite" brand)
  • 5 links Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, in a thick puree
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pinch allspice
  • 12 teaspoon kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 12 cups red wine
  • 1 lemon peel strip
  • 2 tablespoons neufchatel cheese (1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • parmesan cheese, grated

Method

  • In a large nonstick skillet warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat; saute turkey bacon until brown and crisp.
  • Remove from pan and drain on paper towels; set aside.
  • (Reserve pan drippings.
  • ).
  • Put pepper, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms and garlic in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.
  • Over a medium-high flame, heat the Italian dressing in a Dutch oven.
  • For additional flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of the reserved pan drippings.
  • Saute the chopped vegetables for six (6) minutes, or until the onions turn clear and the garlic starts to "dance".
  • Pour all ingredients into a bowl and reserve for later.
  • Return Dutch oven to medium-high heat and add the turkey sausage.
  • Cook for approximately four (4) minutes or until no longer pink; breaking up clumps as it cooks.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, bacon, fried vegetables, basil, oregano, bay leaf, allspice, salt, pepper, wine, and lemon peel.
  • Bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low; partially cover and simmer slowly for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and take out bay leaf and lemon peel.
  • Stir in cream cheese until well blended.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain well.
  • Transfer to a large serving bowl and add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, parsley and a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Mix well.
  • Spoon sauce over pasta and serve immediately with crusty Italian bread, a green tossed salad and a glass of Chianti.
  • Add your favorite Dino tunes and your meal is complete!