Penne with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 (14 1/2-ounce) cans unsalted diced tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (16-ounce) package whole-wheat penne pasta

Makes 10 (1-cup) Servings

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, and pepper flakes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until onions and garlic are softened, 5-7 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and salt and bring sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Season with pepper to taste.
4. While pasta sauce is cooking, add pasta to boiling water and cook to al dente, according to package directions. Drain, toss with tomato sauce, and serve hot.
    

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts

 Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook. Who doesn't love pasta with marinara sauce?  This is meant to be served as a side dish but it makes a great meal for lunch, dinner or as a light snack. The pasta only takes about 10 minutes to make but the sauce takes about 20-30 minutes. I also highly recommend adding oregano to the sauce to give it more Italian flavor. I also recommend pureeing the homemade sauce to make it more smooth. I brought this dish into the office I volunteer at adn the people loved it. I loved it too because it was filling, comforting and delicious.