When Lauren got married, she gave each of us bridesmaids a different cookbook at the bridal luncheon.  I received a Betty Crocker cookbook, and I have to admit I hadn’t really gone through it too thoroughly until this week when I was looking for something new to make.  I found a ‘Penne with Spicy Sauce’ recipe that looked good and decided to give it a whirl, with quite a few more additions..  Here’s the Kelley version:

Spicy Penne, Broccoli, and Sausage

Ingredients:

• Penne pasta (I used about half a box)
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 T chopped fresh parsley
• 3/4 lb Italian sausage, cooked & drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 T tomato paste
• ~ 1 cup broccoli
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat oil over medium high heat in large sauce pan and cook garlic, red pepper flakes and parsley in oil for a few minutes, until garlic becomes golden.  Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and broccoli until it boils.  Mix in the sausage.  I added a little water and more tomato paste here since it seemed like it could use a little more sauce.  Add some salt and pepper as needed.  Turn down the heat, cover, and simmer about 12 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, cook and drain the pasta according to the directions on the box.  Mix the pasta into the sauce and add some parmesan cheese.  Slowly mix the pasta and sauce together to make sure the pasta is all mixed in.  Serve and top with a little more parmesan cheese!

Results: LOVED this.  I really like the broccoli mixed in with everything and the sausage made it a lot heartier.  There’s a little kick (I went a little light on the red pepper flakes), but it’s not bad and helps clear your sinuses.  Will definitely be making this again!