Whole Wheat Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Start heating a pot of water (for your pasta). You’ll cook the pasta in a few minutes.

Start by making your sauce. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. When hot add the sausage and cook for 3 minutes until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon. When the sausage is cooked, add the minced onion and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Add the tomatoes and the red pepper flakes and simmer for 10-15 minutes while you cook your pasta and broccoli rabe.

Add the penne pasta to the pot of boiling salted water. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes on its own before adding the chopped broccoli rabe. (Make sure that you’ve washed the broccoli rabe very well because it can have a slightly dirty taste if you slack on this. Gross.) Cook for five more minutes then strain the cooked pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander.

Pour the pasta back into the large pot and add your sauce. Gently toss to coat. Serve immediately. Top with grated Pecorino Romano if you wish. Enjoy your faux carbo-loading, dudes.