Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups water
• 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions

1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot over medium high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.
2. Add penne pasta, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and water to skillet and bring to a boil. Cook 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add chopped broccoli and heavy cream and cook 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.
4. Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter, parmesan cheese, and sausage, and cook 1-2 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce is smooth.
5. Serve immediately with additional parmesan cheese.