Roasted Broccoli & Sausage Orecchiette

Remember the Roasted Broccoli I made the other day?  You can find the recipe here!  I was thinking today about how great it would be with pasta and little Italian Sausage.  Well, I was was right!  It was great. One of the best things about it is how fast you can make it.  If you're stumped and looking for a fast, family friendly dinner, look no further!  Make this!

 Ingredients:
16 oz. orecchiette pasta (or any short pasta, such as penne)
4 cups of broccoli florets
non-stick cooking spray
2 tbs olive oil
3 links of Italian Sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese
Pinch of red pepper flake
1 tsp of garlic powder
zest of one lemon plus juice of lemon
1/2 tsp salt (plus salt for pasta water)
1 cup of reserved pasta water

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.  Place the broccoli on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Season with salt, garlic powder and red pepper flake.  Toss with your hands until oil lightly coats all of the broccoli.  Place in oven and roast for about 10 minutes, turn and continue cooking for about 10 more minutes, then remove.

Prepare pasta according to package instructions.

While pasta and broccoli is cooking, heat a medium non-stick skillet and add the sausage.  Cook until it is brown and remove with a slotted spoon.  Discard grease.  When pasta is cooked, drain and transfer to the skillet (remember to reserve a cup of water).  Add sausage back to the skillet and about 1/2 of the reserved pasta water.  Sir and add the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice of the lemon. If the pasta seems tight add more water, if not serve in bowls, top with the broccoli and garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serves 4

Looks amazing, doesn't it?!  Enjoy!