alfresco-chicken-sausage

Forever Summer Pasta Salad

Serves: 6

Author: Melissa Santell, @melsantell

"Cool. Perfectly picnic-able. Filled with layers of zesty, sharp and savory flavors. Welcome to everything a summer pasta salad should be. This dish is a quick way to elevate your next beach day or BBQ. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Enjoy it warm or slightly chilled."

Ingredients

1 Package al fresco Roasted Pepper & Asiago Chicken Sausage, sliced diagonally

12 - 16 ounces of Rigatoni

1 bunch Broccolini

2 hefty tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oli

4 Garlic cloves, crushed

1/4 cup Water

1 cup Candied Pecans, roughly chopped

1 1/2 cups Roquefort Cheese, crumbled

Salt and Pepper, to taste

FOR THE DRESSING:

1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oli

1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar

1/2 Shallot, peeled

2 tbsp Honey

Juice and Zest of 1 Lemon

2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

2 Sprigs fresh Oregano, leaves only

Directions:

  • 1Make the dressing! Combine all dressing in gredients in a blender. Blend on high speed for 1 - 2 minutes. Set aside.
  • 2Fill a large pot up halfway with water. Heat over medium - high heat until boiling. Season water generously with salt. Cook rigatoni al dente, per box directions. Strain and set aside.
  • 3Wash the broccolini, pat dry + trim ends. Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the olive oil and crushed garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 60 seconds).
  • 4Add broccolini to the skillet, using tongs to coat the broccolini in oil. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes.
  • 5Pour in 1/4 cup of water. Steam the broccolini until the water is nearly evaporated. Then season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Steam for another minute and transfer the broccolini into a bowl. Set aside.
  • 6In the same skillet, use a paper t owel to wipe away any access broccolini bits. Heat on medium and sear chicken sausage slices until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
  • 7In a large serving bowl, mix together rigatoni, chicken sausage, broccolini, Roquefort cheese, candied pecans and dre ssing. Toss to coat thoroughly. Eat it up.