Italian Sausage Pasta Skillet

Italian sausage has such a nice flavor that pairs well with the broccolini, pasta, ricotta, and other ingredients in this dish.  This is a simple skillet meal everyone will enjoy.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

½ pound whole wheat, protein packed, or other pasta

1 cup part skim milk ricotta

1 lemon zested and juiced

1 pound Italian sausage

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic minced

1 sweet onion diced

2 bunches broccolini cut into 1-2 inch sections

½ cup jarred roasted red bell pepper strips, drained

½ cup cherry tomatoes halved

½ cup shredded parmesan

10-12 fresh basil leaves

Optional: garlic bread/toast to serve with

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions. Reserve 2/3 cup pasta water.
2. Mix together the ricotta and lemon zest. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Cut the sausage into 1 inch slices and place in the skillet.  Cook for 60-90 seconds. Then flip and cook one more minute.
4. Add the oregano, crushed red pepper, garlic, and onion stirring occasionally for 4 minutes.
5. Stir in the broccolini and jarred peppers.
6. Add 2/3 cup pasta water to the skillet.
7. Cook until the sauce is thickened and broccolini is softened for about 4 minutes.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pasta, lemon juice, tomatoes, and parmesan.
9. Dollop the ricotta mixture over the dish.  Sprinkle the basil leaves.
10. Enjoy!