Pasta Sea Shell Casserole

8 oz. Medium-size seas shell pasta (about 4 cups dry)

3/4 lb. Extra lean ground beef or ground turkey

3 tsp. Chopped garlic

1/2 tsp. Onion powder

3 cups spaghetti sauce

1 Tbl. Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Prepare pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil.  Drain and set aside.  Meanwhile, continue with either method below.

Stove Top: In a skillet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, brown meat with garlic and onion powder.  Simmer until cooked.  Add sauce and heat thoroughly add noodles and continue to cook until thoroughly heated.  Serve with parmesan cheese.

Microwave: In a 3-quart microwave-safe casserole that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, cook meat with garlic and onion powder on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring after each minute to separate the meat.  Add sauce, cover, and continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.  Mix in noodles. Cover and cook another minute or until thoroughly heated.  Serve with parmesan cheese.

Courtesy of Quick & Healthy Cookbook