A delightful pasta dish combining spicy sausage, fresh broccoli, and a savory tomato-based sauce.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later.
In a large skillet, remove the casings from the sausage and cook over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces.
Cook the sausage until it's browned and slightly crispy for added flavor.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice, and bring to a simmer.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Season with salt, pepper, basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender.
Cover the skillet with a lid to steam the broccoli faster.
Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
Adding the cheese now helps to thicken the sauce slightly.
Combine the cooked penne with the sauce in the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining parmesan cheese.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.