Easy Turkey Spaghetti Pie

This recipe, with a bird of another feather in mind today, is very easy, fast, and I think, quite good when it comes to everyday fare. I made adjustments to the original recipe with my husbands weight loss plan in mind. I must confess, my dear hubby is a meat-and-potatoes guy, and this kind of recipe is not of his first choosing. But, I am in control of his calorie count and the kitchen, and he is losing weight!! So he smiles and eats with a grateful heart. Now that's a grateful attitude. Blessings...

Recipe:

1# ground turkey breast
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 tsp. toasted granulated onion or onion powder
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
6 ounces spaghetti
1/4 cup egg substitute or 1 whole egg
1 tbsp. whipped butter or reduced-fat margarine
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1/2 cup 2% or part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1. In a large skillet, cook turkey and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and onion powder.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, basil and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, for 15 - 20 minutes. (cover skillet if mixture begins to look too dry.)
3. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. In a bowl, combine spaghetti, egg substitute or whole egg, butter, Parmesan cheese and parsley.
4. Lightly coat a 9" pie dish with a bit of whipped butter or margarine. Form a crust with the spaghetti mixture.
5. Stir 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the turkey mixture; spoon into crust. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
6. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Place back in the oven to melt cheese, about 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve.

Serves 6 - 8
Per 6 servings: 265 calories using Smart Taste pasta, egg substitute and low-fat cheese
Per 8 servings: 199 calories      "       "        "       "       "        "          "      "          "

Tip: Smart Taste spaghetti has lower calories and higher fiber content than other brands.
Tip: Whipped butter is butter with air whipped into it for a lower calorie count, but real butter all the same. I use it often.
Tip: Recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated until needed. One hour before serving, preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake covered pie for 50 minutes. Uncover and check to make sure it's heated through before sprinkling with mozzarella. Bake an additional 15 minutes, if needed.