Fat-Fighting Meals: 7 Flat-Belly Dinner Recipes

Penne with Broccoli Rabe and Ricotta

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients
Salt
1 bunch broccoli rabe
12 ounces whole wheat penne
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 lean Italian turkey sausages, casings removed
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, sliced
Small pinch crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup part-skim ricotta
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Directions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe; cook for 4 minutes. Transfer the broccoli rabe to a colander. When it's cool enough to handle, chop into bite-size pieces.
2. Add the penne to the same pot of boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the penne.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook, crumbling the sausage with a wooden spoon, until browned, 8 minutes. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and saute until tender, about 2 more minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring until well combined, about 1 minute.
4. Adjust the heat to low and add the pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine the ingredients, adding a little of the reserved cooking water if the mixture seems dry. Stir in the ricotta and Parmesan, take the pan off the heat, and toss well. Serve immediately.

Nutrition facts per serving: 342 calories, 18g protein, 47g carbohydrate, 8g fat (1.8g saturated), 2g fiber