Sausage & Broccoli Pasta Delight

1.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

3.Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4.Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

5.Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

6.Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sausage and broccoli mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

7.Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8.Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.