Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. It's important to use enough water so the pasta can move freely. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare a large bowl with ice water to cool the broccoli later.
Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets. Cook them for about one to two minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. They should be vibrant and not too soft. Afterward, use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to the ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps them beautifully green.
Next, add the short pasta to the same boiling water. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually around eight to ten minutes for al dente. Reserve about one cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Remember, don’t rinse the pasta as you want to keep the starch to help the sauce stick later.
In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken sausage in an even layer. Let it cook for about two to four minutes per side until they're browned and cooked through. You want a nice, golden color to enhance the flavor.
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook these for one to two minutes, stirring until fragrant, ensuring they don’t burn.
Return the broccoli and the sausage back to the pan, stirring to combine them with the garlic and oil. The sautéed mix should smell incredible at this point!
Pour in the marinara sauce and the room-temperature half and half. Stir well and allow it to cook for about one to two minutes until everything is warmed through. This creates a luscious sauce that envelops all the ingredients.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with the parmesan cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve!
Serve the Chicken Sausage Pasta hot, topped with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the wholesome goodness with your loved ones!
