Mushroom marinara for fusilli pasta

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1largeOnion -- coarsely chopped
2Cloves garlic -- minced
½poundsPortobello or button
Mushrooms -- sliced 1/4
Inch
½poundsCultivated mushrooms --
Sliced 1/2 inch
2cupsCherry tomatoes or 4 to 6
Tomatoes -- diced
½cupFennel bulb -- sliced
1teaspoonDried oregano
2tablespoonsChopped fresh basil
¼teaspoonFennel seed
1canLow-sodium whole tomatoes --
(16 ounce) chopped,
Juice reserved
¼teaspoonCrushed red pepper
Salt -- optional
¼teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
Olive oil spray
1tablespoonCornstarch -- optional
16ouncesFusilli pasta

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons water, the onion, garlic, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fennel, oregano, basil, and fennel seed. Cover and cook, adding more water if the mixture becomes dry, for about 10 minutes, and stir occasionally to break up the cherry tomatoes. Stir in the canned tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and salt, if using, and pepper and spray lightly with olive oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes.

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the reserved tomato juice. Increase the heat to high, and add the cornstarch mixture, stirring until thickened.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta; drain and remove to a warm serving bowl. Spoon the sauce over the pasta and serve immediately.

Recipe By : Lynn Fischer, Healthy Indulgenges, 1996