Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti with turkey sausage

 

1 lb lean ground turkey sausage (see recipe below)
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (no sugar added)
8 ounces (uncooked) 100% whole wheat spaghetti, about 2/3 of a 13.25 oz box, break into small pieces before adding to meat mixture
1 cup low fat cottage cheese
1 cup skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup low fat ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher or sea Salt to taste
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
4T water

TURKEY SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS:
1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp dried sage
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried oregano

1.Add all the sausage ingredients a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Cook ground turkey sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking into small pieces while cooking. Ensure the turkey loses its pink color before removing from heat. Drain, discard any fat and set aside. Combine meat with marinara sauce.

2.Add broken noodles to the slow cooker.

3.In a medium bowl combine the remaining ingredients, add the meat and sauce mixture on top of the noodles then add cheese mixture to slow cooker with 4T water and mix well. Cover and cook on low 2-3 hours or until spaghetti is al dente and cheese is bubbly. 

Data using turkey sausage: Calories: 256  Total Fat: 12 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 52 mg | Sodium: 542 mg | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Sugars: 6 Fiber: 2 g | Protein: 24 g

Data without turkey sausage: Serving Size: 1 Cup | Calories: 192 | Total Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Trans Fat: 0 | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 342 mg | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 7 g | Protein: 15 g