{DeVine Pasta} | Sausage & Grape Penne

It seems like over the past couple weeks I've been buying more than my fair share of red grapes.  They are right up there with blueberries as one of my favourite fruits (both in fermented and non-fermented form.)  As such, I'm now on the hunt for ways to incorporate them into my meals.   Although, right now I just want them on a plate accompanied with some cheese, crackers and a glass (or two) of wine.  That doesn't exactly scream balanced meal for the family, so here is the next best thing.  A pasta dish with grapes and sausage.  It's like someone is speaking directly to my heart.  Okay, maybe that's a little far fetched, sometimes I embellish...  However, you really can't go wrong with this combination.  It is the perfect pasta dish for the summer.  Killer!  Seriously, go out and buy grapes, make this dish, then send me a thank-you card.

Happy Saturday Night! 

Sausage & Grape Pasta

Ingredients:
2 chicken sausages (Spolumbo's sun-dried tomato)
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups seedless red grapes
1/2 cup no-salt added chicken broth
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cups dry Rigatoni
1/4 cup Parmesan, shaved
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 Tbsp pine nuts


Method:
Bring large pot of water to a boil.

Preheat BBQ to medium.  Cook sausage on grill turning frequently, approximately 15 minutes.  Remove from grill and cut into 1/2-inch slices.

In large skillet add olive oil on medium heat.  Cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until soft, 2 to 3 minutes.  Add grapes, broth, wine and red pepper flakes; increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until grapes soften (or burst) and liquid thickens, about 10 minutes.  Turn off heat. 

Add pasta to boiling water and cook as directed.  Drain and add to skillet with sausage, turn heat to high.  Cook, stirring, until sausage is hot and pasta is coated with sauce, 1 minute.  Divide among 4 bowls.  Top with Parmesan, basil and pine nuts.

Enjoy!

LOVE, JS

adapted from self.com