Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage
• 1 lb. frozen broccoli florets
• 1 lb. bow tie pasta
• 2 oz. 1/2 cup smoked gouda
• 2 oz. 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese
• To taste salt & pepper

Directions

1. Set a large pot of water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta as directed on the package, boiling for 7-10 minutes, or until it is al dente. Pour it into a colander to drain.
2. As the pasta cooks, get the rest going. Mince the garlic, then warm 2 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Push the Italian sausage from its casing into the skillet. Use a spatula to crumble it as it browns, and saute until it is fully cooked. Add the thawed broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until tender. Turn off the heat so the broccoli does not go too far, since overcooked broccoli will start to look olive green.
4. Once the pasta is drained, transfer it to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in the garlic and red pepper oil. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, add the shredded cheese, stir, and serve warm.