It’s spring! Here’s a light and yummy meal to help you welcome the new season with seasonal produce.

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

• 8 ozs Brown Rice Pasta
• 8 ozs Organic Chicken Sausage (Spicy Italian)
• 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 tbsps Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Lemon (zest & juice)
• 1 cup Basil Leaves (chopped)
• 2 tbsps Chives
• 1/2 cup Green Olives
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• 1 bunch Asparagus (chopped)
• 3 Garlic (cloves minced)
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 cup Dry White Wine
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 4 cups Baby Spinach

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, chives, and olives in a bowl, or pulse in the food processor. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In the same pot used to cook the pasta, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken sausage and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the asparagus, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes or until the broccolini is tender. Add the wine. Simmer 2-3 minutes, then add the pasta and parmesan, tossing well to coat.
4. Add the basil/olive sauce and toss. Remove from the heat and serve immediately topped with additional basil and parmesan. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Per serving:

• Calories = 551
• Fat = 30g
• Carbs = 54g
• Protein = 19g

Notes

• Cooking time = 30 minutes
• What’s a serving size: One serving is equal to about 1 1/2 cups.
• Dairy-Free? Use oil instead of butter.
• Not a fan of sausage? Use ground meat or lentils instead.

Looking for more whole food based recipes?

Check out our 1 Week Real Food, Real Quick Meal Plan!