Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

By Beckylynn

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 lb. frozen broccoli florets
• 1 lb. bow tie pasta
• 2 oz. (1/2 cup) smoked gouda
• 2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded Italian cheese
• to taste salt & pepper

Details

Adapted from budgetbytes.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

STEP 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions (boil for 7-10 minutes or until al dente). Drain in a colander.

STEP 2: While the pasta is cooking, begin the rest of the dish. Mince the garlic. Heat 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and saute for 1 minute more.

STEP 3: Squeeze the Italian sausage out of the casing into the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Saute until cooked through. Add the broccoli (thaw before hand) to the skillet and saute for 3-5 minutes or just until the broccoli is tender. Turn off the burner to prevent the broccoli from over cooking (it will begin to turn an olive green color if it overcooks).

STEP 4: When the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Stir to coat it in the garlic and red pepper infused oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, stir, and serve warm!