PointsPlus Pasta With Broccoli Rabe And Bolognese Sauce

4.5 from 2 ratings

Here's a complete, well-balanced meal all on one plate: protein, carbs, greens, and fiber all packed into one dish. This recipe is also great with lean ground turkey instead of beef. Not a broccoli rabe fan? Use regular broccoli instead.

Servings

servings

Ingredients

3/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3/4 pound 93-percent lean ground beef
2 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 ounce whole-wheat pasta, preferably penne rigate
1 pound cooked broccoli rabe, trimmed, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/8 teaspoon of the salt.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the beef and fennel seed to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, remaining salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, adding the broccoli rabe to the pasta water 5 minutes before pasta will be done. Cook until the pasta and broccoli rabe are tender. Drain the pasta and broccoli rabe and return to the pot. Add the sauce and toss to combine.