Sausage Pasta Skillet

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon oil
1 cup onion, scrubbed with clean vegetable brush under running water, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, no salt added
¼ cup fresh basil, gently rubbed under cold running water OR 1 Tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 links smoked sausage with Mozzarella cheese (½ pound), cut into 1/4-inch slices*
11 ounces whole wheat pasta, uncooked
3 cups broccoli florets, gently rubbed under cold running water OR 3 cups frozen chopped broccoli
½ cup pasta water
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley or oregano, gently rubbed under cold running water (optional)

Directions:

Wash hands with soap and water.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, basil and oregano and cook 15 minutes, until slightly reduced.
Add sausage and cook for 10 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Add fresh or frozen broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain the rest of the water from the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Add pasta water and Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until combined.
Add cooked pasta and broccoli and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Stir well.
Serve topped with more fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano or parsley, if desired.
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.