Chicken meatballs are lighter than beef or pork, and deliver deep, savory flavor, thanks to fennel seed, black pepper, parsley and white wine. This recipe calls for baking the golf-ball-size rounds in a 450° oven for 14 minutes instead of frying them, which makes cleanup about a zillion times easier.
The rich flavors of sausage and broccoli rabe stand up beautifully to the earthy taste of whole wheat pasta. Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite vegetables, but it has a bitter taste that isn't for everyone. Feel free to substitute regular broccoli in this recipe if you prefer.