CROSBY RECIPES

Broccoli Rabe Pesto With Whole-Wheat Pasta and Turkey Sausage

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional pesto pasta by incorporating wholesome ingredients like whole-wheat pasta, nutrient-rich broccoli rabe, and flavorful turkey sausage. The star of the dish is the vibrant broccoli rabe pesto, which adds a unique and savory flavor profile to the meal. The combination of hearty whole-wheat pasta, tender turkey sausage, and vibrant green pesto creates a satisfying and nutritious dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Give this recipe a try for a delicious and wholesome meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed
  • 8 ounces whole-wheat pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and blanch for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the broccoli rabe to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and coarsely chop.
  2. In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli rabe, cooked turkey sausage, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  6. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the broccoli rabe pesto until well coated.
  7. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with crushed red pepper flakes and lemon wedges if desired.

How to serve

Serve the broccoli rabe pesto pasta hot as a main dish for a satisfying meal.

Nutritional information per serving

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 28g