Step 1

Heat large saute pan to medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Let cook for one minute to flavor the oil. Add Italian sausage and break it up as it begins to cook. Cook until the sausage is browned. If the sausage releases a lot of fat you can remove some. Leave a little to create sauce!

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat a large pot of water (4 quarts) to boiling. Once boiling  salt (2 tablespoons, or to taste) the water and then add the pasta—Cook the pasta to al dente (according to the package instructions).

Step 3

During the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

Step 4

Drain the pasta and broccoli, and add to the skillet of cooked sausage. Stir in reserved pasta water, fresh lemon zest, basil, and toss to combine. Add more cheese before serving.

Step 5

Serve hot! Buon appetito!