Broccoli and Sausage Cavatelli with Garlic and Oil( Aglio ed olio)

A lighter dish full of flavors. Garlic and oil, a touch of lemon and some homemade cavatelli...... try the recipe highlighted, easy to make and you will never want store bought again. Mom loved her cavatelli with garlic and oil, Dad loved the tomato sauce. Amazing how we adapted through the years, so different from where we originated. Grandma was from Rome, Grandpa from Casserta, my Mom family from Bari....all different family versions of how to cook every dish, and every one delicious. Authentic cooking is just a term, what matters is the art and love that makes it every bit unique. Nothing touches your heart more than how a past loved one made the dish..or someone you love cooking it for you now.

Homemade turkey sausage, healthy, and so easy to make.

Homemade turkey sausage, you can make it as spicy as you would like, then add broccoli and lots of Parmesan......

Bruschetta is great with this dish, make sure to get a good grade of balsamic vinegar.

Boil cavatelli in salt water until they float to the top...

Saute garlic, and watch carefully not to burn or overcook.

Steam broccoli for a few minutes before frying in garlic and oil to make sure it is pre cooked.

2 bunches of broccoli, cut into florets removing stalks
1 pound of fresh Italian sausage or turkey sausage homemade (or store bought)
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoons fresh lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 pounds cavatelli pasta fresh or frozen
1/2 cup reserved pasta water or chicken broth

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

In microwave in a large glass pan, microwave broccoli 10 minutes as I like it softer than most( or boil it if you prefer) Drain, and set aside, add lemon juice on broccoli.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic until lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Add the broccoli, and garlic powder. Saute, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Broccoli should be tender yet crisp to the bite.
In a large fry pan using a spray oil to coat, fry sausage or(bake on cookie sheet on 400) until cooked. Slice sausage into chunks.
Meanwhile, cook cavatelli in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water or chicken broth, and place in a large serving bowl. Toss with the broccoli,sausage, salt and hot pepper flakes. Top with Parmesan cheese. Garlic bread or bruschetta goes well with this.

Optional: Omit sausage and use 1 pound of cubed grilled chicken breast. Also mushrooms and roasted peppers can be added to this dish as well.