This low-fat Penne with Sausage and Broccoli is not a dish hungry husbands and children will find wispy.
In spite of its restrained fat content, it's a hearty and nourishing dish for all the family and its taste has a wide appeal.Hands-on time for making it is 25 minutes, according to "The Low-Fat Living Cookbook" (Rod-ale Press, $27.95). The book, by Leslie L. Cooper, author of the popular "Low-Fat Living," has 250 easy-to-make recipes.
PENNE WITH SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI
1 pound penne pasta
3 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces low-fat turkey sausage or chicken sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup fat-free chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Ground black pepper
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water for 8 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes, or until the pasta and broccoli are just tender. Drain and place in a large bowl.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray and place over medium-heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook, breaking up the pieces with a wooden spoon, for 5 minutes, or until browned. Pour over the pasta.
Add the broth, Parmesan, oil and vinegar to the pasta. Toss to mix. Season with pepper.
Cook's tips: Check your local supermarket or butcher for flavored sausage: They include chicken and apple, Santa Fe-style and sun-dried tomato and basil. Sprinkle the dish with red-pepper flakes for more kick.
- Nutritional information per serving: 456 cal., 10.3 g fat, 25.1 g pro., 65 g carbo., 42 mg chol., 675 mg sodium.