Whole Wheat penne with Broccoli & Sausage

This recipe came from the February 2008 Good Housekeeping Magazine.

I must be honest that this is billed as a Heart Healthy Recipe and "as is" I am sure that it is. But, I wavered a bit and used Smoked Sausage instead of the Turkey Sausage. Don't get me wrong I am sure the Turkey sausage is good ( I Like turkey Pepperoni) but all I had in the frig was the Smoked Sausage.

12 oz. whole wheat penne pasta
1 lg bunch broccoli cut into florets
12 oz hot Italian Turkey Sausage
1 pt grape tomatoes, each cut in half
1/2 c. loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 c. freshly grated Pecorino Romano Cheese

1. Heat large saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Add pasta and cook as label directs, adding broccoli when 3 minutes of cooking time remain. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, drain pasta and broccoli.

2. Meanwhile, thinly slice sausage on the diagonal. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage on medium 7 to 8 minutes or until it begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, and cook 5 minutes longer, stirring.

3. Stir pasta, broccoli, and 1/4 cup pasta cooking water into sausage mixture in skillet; heat through, adding additional cooking water if needed. Remove from heat; stir in basil and cheese.

My husband liked this, but I am more of a saucy and cheesy girl!!