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Spicy Pecan Italian “Sausage” and Grilled Vegetable Penne

Yield: 7 Servings Prep Time: 25 mins

 Simply season and ground pecans to create a plant-based version of spicy Italian “sausage.” In this recipe it’s added to grilled vegetables and pasta but you can also use it on a flatbread, pizza, soup and more.

By Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN

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Spicy Pecan Italian “Sausage” and Grilled Vegetable Penne

Ingredients

  • 1 12-ounce package brown rice penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon pecan or extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 small zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 small yellow squash, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 24-ounces jar pasta sauce (no sugar added), warmed
  • Fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese, optional, for garnish
  • Spicy Pecan Italian “Sausage”
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 tablespoon fennel seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup raw pecan pieces (or lightly toasted)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Preparation

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  2. Heat water in pot on stovetop for pasta.
  3. Make pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
  4. Make the spicy pecan Italian “sausage”: In a pan over medium heat, add oil, onion, fennel seed, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and red pepper flakes (do not add pecans or vinegar yet). Cook 4 minutes or until onion is translucent.
  5. Add pecans, red wine vinegar, and onion mixture to food processor and pulse until consistency of ground pork, about 8 to 10 pulses. Makes 1 cup pecan “sausage”.
  6. Lightly brush zucchini and yellow squash with olive oil and place on hot grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until tender. Remove and chop into bite-sized cubes.
  7. Serve family-style or in individual bowls. Layer pasta, vegetables, and pasta sauce. Top with pecan “sausage” and fresh basil and parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 380 Carbs 58g
Fat 15g Fiber 6g
Saturated Fat 1g Protein 8g
Sodium 320mg

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