Lunch: Pasta with Walnut Pesto, Sausage, and Broccoli Rabe

Rigatoni and sausage get a nutritious boost from walnut pesto and broccoli rabe.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Broccoli, Nuts, Walnuts, Basil

Health and fertility benefits of Pasta with Walnut Pesto, Sausage, and Broccoli Rabe

Broccoli is one of the non-starchy vegetables that has a very low glycemic index (GI), which is beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels. Broccoli is also a source of DIM (Diindolymethane). Diindolymethane is very effective in reducing the testosterone levels in the body, an action that would automatically curb male dominant features and regulate the estrogen levels in the system. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Walnuts are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts. Any kind of nuts provide a healthy source of fat and a great way to encourage PCOS weight loss. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

1/2 c. walnuts
2 c. basil leaves
1 clove garlic
salt and pepper
3/4 c. olive oil
1 lb. rigatoni
4 sweet Italian sausages (about 1 pound)
1 bunch broccoli rabe
1/2 c. fresh ricotta cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Spread walnuts on a baking tray, and toast until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Cool completely.
Combine 1/4 cup nuts, basil, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a food processor. Process and, while motor is running, drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil to form pesto; set aside. Chop rest of nuts, and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook rigatoni until tender. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. When oil is hot, add sausage and cook, breaking up meat, until brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer meat to a small bowl, and leave 1 tablespoon fat in pan.
Return skillet to heat, and add rest of olive oil. Add broccoli rabe; cook until just crisp, about 2 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, cover skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; return sausage to pan to heat through.
Toss cooked pasta with pesto; season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among 4 plates, and top each with sausage and broccoli rabe, a dollop of ricotta cheese, and chopped walnuts.

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