Spicy Veggie Taco Pasta

I had two packages of lean ground turkey in my fridge that were a week old.  I never froze them because I thought I'd use them before a full week came to be.

I had planned on making a spicy and creamy pasta dish with the ground turkey.  Needless to say, they stunk like bad egg salad and were tossed immediately. #fail  Oh well.  That shit happens from time to time.  But I think I made something even better and even more healthy.  A spicy, dreamy bowl of veggie goodness. With cheese and avocado on top, course.

This was delicious, hearty, filling, and hit the spot! 

I love one pot dishes.  And this is that.  So easy and dinner will be ready in no time!


And tip of the day: always freeze meat unless you are certain you'll cook with it within two days.

Spicy Veggie Taco Pasta

Ingredients:

-1 lb. whole wheat or grain pasta 
{penne or shells would work best}
-1 red bell pepper, cut in slices
-1 green bell pepper, cut in slices
-2 medium yellow onions, cut in slices
-2 garlic cloves, minced and diced
-1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
-1 large can crushed tomatoes { 28 oz}
-1 package reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
-1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain { optional}
-1 tsp. cayenne pepper
-1tbsp. olive oil or canola oil
-salt and pepper to taste


Method:

Cook pasta in salted water . Drain  at al dente and set aside.

Get the oil in the pan really hot. Once all chopped, cook the peppers, onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until softened. Once veggies are tender, add the taco seasoning, crushed tomatoes and black beans. Cover and cook down about ten minutes. { throughout the entire cooking process, add salt and pepper to flavor each layer}. I added the cayenne pepper after the tomatoes and beans cooked down for a few minutes.  Stir here and there. 

Finally, add the Greek yogurt.  Stir well and let everything bubble and thicken one more time. Pour the veggie mixture into the pasta and combine well.  Top with shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream, more Greek yogurt, avocado and a garnish of fresh cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime juice would give great added flavor as well!

Add this to your list of healthy Fall dishes!