Healthy Chicken Salad – Whole Living Eat Well

Directions

• Prepare the broccoli rabe: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed broccoli rabe and blanch for about 2 minutes, until bright green. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and set aside.
• Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the turkey sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli rabe, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the whole-wheat pasta in the boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Assemble the dish: In the same skillet used to cook the turkey sausage, toss the pasta with the sausage, broccoli rabe pesto, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce. Mix until well combined and heated through.
• Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.