Pasta tossed with heavily seasoned greens is an Italian classic that lends itself to easy weeknight improvisation.
Whatever ingredients you select, the basic formula is about the same. While the pasta boils, diced onion and minced garlic are sauteed with seasonings (red pepper flakes and anchovies are traditional choices).
Once the onions are lightly browned, greens are added. These can be as hardy (such as kale or even broccoli florets) or tender (baby spinach or chard) as desired.
Once the greens are wilted, the pasta is added to the skillet and tossed. A bit of Parmesan or pecorino is then mixed in and you have an attractive, delicious meal.
And there are easy ways to add flavour and protein. A bit of bacon, prosciutto or chopped ham could be added at the same time as the onions. Or chopped cooked chicken would be great added along with the greens.
In this version, sweet Italian sausage, lemon juice and zest, Parmesan cheese and a splash of white wine add tons of flavour to this simple dish. Hot Italian sausages could be substituted if you like things spicier.
For a healthier version, use chicken sausages and whole-wheat pasta. Vegetarian sausages can be used for a meatless version, or left out entirely.
Rotini With Lemon, Broccolini and Sausage
500 g (1 lb) rotini pasta
30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ml ( 1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
125 ml ( 1/2 cup) white wine
500 g (1 lb) sweet Italian sausages, cut into small chunks
1 bunch broccolini, roughly chopped
125 ml ( 1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic, red pepper flakes and onion. Saute until onion just begins to brown, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add about half of the wine and stir to deglaze pan. Add sausages and cook until meat is cooked through and browned. As pan dries, add remaining wine and continue cooking.
Roughly chop broccolini and add to skillet. Continue to saute until broccolini has wilted. Add pasta and toss to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Divide pasta onto serving plates, then top with shavings of Parmesan cheese.
Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition information per serving: 605 calories, 224 calories from fat, 25 g fat (8 g saturated, 0 g trans fats), 50 mg cholesterol, 67 g carbohydrate, 29 g protein, 4 g fibre, 1,047 mg sodium.
