Pasta Jambalya

My mom requested this recipe, but I thought I'd post it since it is easy, delicious and perfect for Mardi Gras.

Ingredients:
8 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup diced onion
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Creole seasoning
1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
8 oz quartered smoked sausage and/or cooked salad shrimp
4 oz shredded monteray jack cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and keep warm
2. Coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and set on medium-high heat. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic for 5 minutes. Add creole seasoning and saute 1 minute. Stir in beans, tomatoes and sausage/shrimp; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes or until thickened.
3. Combine bean mixture and pasta in a large bowl and top with cheese. Serve immediately.
Makes 8 servings.