Sausage and Peppers Pasta Makeover

Ingredients

½ lb.  dry WHOLE WHEAT linguine (feel free to substitute penne pasta)

1 package chicken or turkey Italian sausage links

3 bell peppers (I like to use red, yellow/orange, and green), sliced into strips

3 vine ripened tomatoes, chopped

Pinch of red pepper flakes

½ cup fresh Parmesan Cheese, divided

½ tablespoon fresh chopped basil

Directions

Cook pasta as instructed on package.

While pasta is cooking, slice sausage in diagonal, lengthwise strips and cook with peppers in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat until sausage is heated through, about 5-6 minutes, and peppers are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes and red pepper flakes; stir and cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 5 to 6 min. until tomatoes are softened, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and add to skillet with ¼  cup of the cheese; mix lightly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese (optional).