Sausage and Pasta, Monday Night

Last night we had this:

(I got this recipe during my two week free membership at America's Test Kitchen--it has served me well!)

Creamy Skillet Penne with Sausage and Broccoli
1 lb. hot sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced thin
8 oz. penne pasta (about 2 1/2 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup beef broth
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz. broccoli florets
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 TBSP basil
2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Cook sausage in large nonstick skillet, breaking into pieces until no longer pink. Remove from pan onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Cook onion and bell pepper in sausage fat until softened (if there is a lot, I remove some). Add penne and cook, stirring often, until pasta is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broths and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer stirring occasionally until pasta begins to soften. (8-10 mins.)

Arrange broccoli on top of pasta and continue to cook, covered until broccoli is bright green and tender and pasta is al dente. (about 8 minutes) Remove from heat and add cheese, basil and vinegar. (Yum!)

Everyone loves this (a rare thing at my house. . . ).

FHE treat: Casco 2nds