This time of year always seems endlessly dreary. It’s cold, but we’re not getting snow. The days are depressingly short and I still seem to have a holiday hangover. By the time I get home from work, I just don’t feel like cooking so I’ve been relying on old favorites like homemade pizza and ham and cheese waffles.

In an effort to jumpstart more cooking, we took a trip to Whole Foods to do some impulse shopping, We ended up getting some basil and garlic chicken sausage which was perfect for this dish. Despite being really simple, it was incredibly flavorful.

Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
(adapted from Real Simple)
Serves 4

12 oz.  penne (about 4 1/2 cups)
1 T. olive oil
1 onion, sliced
6 oz. chicken sausage, casing removed
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets and stems sliced
1/4 c. grated Parmesan (1 ounce)

Begin cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Five minutes before the pasta is finished, add the broccoli florets and stems to the boiling water. When pasta is done cooking, drain, reserving some pasta water and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion to the pan and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the sausage to the pan. Break up and cook, stirring, until browned and cooked through.

Toss the pasta with the sausage mixture, including a little of the pasta water, and the Parmesan.