Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta.

Step 2

While the water heats up, cup up the broccoli and mince the garlic.

Step 3

In a large skillet, (I use a 10 or 12" cast iron skillet) brown the sausage over medium high heat. Remove the sausage from the pan when it's no longer pink, and set it aside. You should have about 2 tablespoons of leftover grease in the pan.

Step 4

Salt the pasta cooking water with 1 tablespoon sea salt and start cooking the pasta. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions.

Step 5

Meanwhile in the skillet you cooked the sausage in, add the olive oil along with the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and broccoli florets.

Step 6

Sauté the broccoli over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add 1/4 cup cup of water and continue to cook until the broccoli is crisp tender.

Step 7

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and add more water if necessary to keep it from sticking.

Step 8

When the pasta is al dente, or just tender, scoop out and reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 9

Add the pasta back to the pot you cooked it in, then add the broccoli and sausage and mix to combine. Add the parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the reserved pasta water.

Step 10

Toss to combine again, then season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Add the remaining reserved pasta cooking water little by little, just enough to create a light 'sauce'.

Step 11

Serve immediately with extra grated parmesan to sprinkle on top.