RIGATONI WITH BROCCOLI & TURKEY SAUSAGE

We are getting close to spring but it is still comfort food time. I want something good, healthy and not heavy on the calories. With this recipe you will be giving up nothing. When I was young, this dish was done with rapini (broccoli rabe), pork sausage and heavy cream! With this recipe you don't have to give up any flavor while still enjoying a healthy meal.

If you don't eat dairy, replace the milk with chicken broth (use homemade or low sodium organic packaged. Your sauce won't be as creamy but very good! I usually only have non fat milk in my refrigerator, so that's what I usually use, again it is not as creamy but still very good! If you're not a broccoli fan, eat it anyway, it's good for you! Just a little note; I usually weigh my pasta as a means of controlling my calories. I find that 3 ounces of dried pasta is a reasonable amount and will leave room for the broccoli and sausage.

RIGATONI WITH BROCCOLI AND TURKEY SAUSAGE

3 Links hot turkey Italian sausage (about 3/4 pound)

2 Teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 Onion, sliced thin

2 Cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 Red pepper, sliced

2 Tablespoons flour

2 Cups 1% milk

1 Bundle fresh herbs (whatever you might have on hand,

such as rosemary, oregano, parsley, thyme, place in

cheesecloth or tie with string)

3 Cups broccoli florets

Salt and pepper

1 Pound rigatoni

Get started with the rigatoni, I will assume you know how to cook the pasta. Cook sausages in ¼ inch of water in uncovered large skillet until water evaporates, continue cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer to cutting board and cut into ¼ slices, reserve. In skillet heat oil, add onion and pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 more minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, bring to a simmer, add herb bundle and cook, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Discard herb bundle. Meanwhile cook broccoli until bright green and still crisp, about 3 minutes. Add to sauce with sausage. Add salt and pepper to taste then add rigatoni, toss gently and serve immediately. Pass the cheese, please.

Buon Appetito!