WHOLE WHEAT PENNE WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI RABE

Whole Wheat Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound), washed and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts
3/4 pound whole wheat penne
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 pound Italian-style poultry sausage
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place the broccoli rabe in a large microwaveable dish with 1 tablespoon of water. Cover tightly and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Spread the pine nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and golden brown.
4. Set a large pot of water to boil for the pasta. When boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the box. Drain. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over a medium flame. Add the sausage and cook for 5 or 6 minutes, until brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
5. Add the remaining oil to the skillet and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the broccoli rabe and sliced sausage, and sautéfor about 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth, crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on a low heat until pasta is ready.
6. Combine the drained pasta with the sausage-broccoli rabe mixture and the pine nuts in a large bowl or pot. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.