Broccoli sausage pasta

This is a popular recipe with several variations from Emeril to Once upon a chef. I first found it at Once upon a chef. It tastes amazing and can be made in about 30 minutes. It is wonderful for a fast dinner after work and not very expensive to make.

1/2 pound orcchiette pasta

1 pound mild italian sausage

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 white onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 heads of broccoli florets

1 cup water

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4-1/2 cup shredded parmesan

1 tablespoon butter

First, cook the pasta to desired texture. While it is cooking, prepare the rest.

Place the olive oil in a skillet. Add the sausage and onion. Cook while breaking up the sausage into small pieces. When the sausage is cooked, add the garlic and red pepper. Cook 1 more minute.

Add the butter, water, and broccoli. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broccoli turns bright green when done. You can see the change in my photo below. The sauce will thicken.