Pasta and Bean Skillet

This looks really easy and all the reviews for it are good. Think it will make an excellent week night meal. I'll use whole wheat macaroni and 2% cheese so it will be even less points.


Points: 5
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS
1 cup salsa (any variety)
2/3 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (2 ounces)
3/4 cup water
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 cups red kidney beans (from 19-oz can), drained, rinsed
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat all ingredients except cheese to boiling in 10-inch nonstick skillet; reduce heat.
2. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Sprinkle with cheese.


Special Touch
Cater to kids! Use the fun shaped pastas they like, such as wagon wheel, bow tie, corkscrew or the novelty shapes found at specialty food shops.

Variation
Like it spicy? Use a medium or hot variety of salsa to wake up those taste buds.

Special Touch
Serve in shallow bowls, and arrange tortilla chips around the rim of each bowl. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for extra Southwest flair.