Pesto Chicken Sausage and Greens Orecchetti

I know, so many pesto oriented dishes, but I have to get rid of it somehow to make room in my tiny NYC refrigerator! This dish is packed with a flavor punch. Orecchetti is an Italian word for little ear which describes their shape. This pasta can be found in most grocery stores, but can be replaced by another if necessary. This recipe can be made vegetarian by using soy sausage. Serves 6

Ingredients:

12 oz. orecchiette pasta

.5 lbs green beans, cut into thirds

1 cup frozen peas

.5 can of diced tomatoes, drained

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 links fully cooked Italian-style chicken sausage, thinly sliced 

(found at Trader Joe's, can be substituted with soy sausage, or pork sausage)

1/3 cup pesto

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Boil pasta according to box directions

After draining pasta, boil green beans and peas in the same pot for 3 minutes

Meanwhile, in a skillet heat oil and brown sausage

This should take about 6 minutes per side on medium heat

In a large serving bowl, combine pesto, sausage, drained pasta, drained vegetables and diced tomatoes

Top with Parmesan and serve