Easy 5-Ingredient Weeknight Meal (Sausage, Pasta & Broccoli Skillet)

1. Heat a skillet with tall sides over medium heat: add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
2. Place the sausage in the hot skillet and brown on each side, 2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to low and cover and cook until sausage is cooked through, 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Add pasta to the skillet along with 3 cups water, the broccoli, plenty of salt, and the zest of the lemon. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered and stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (10-12 minutes). No draining needed.
4. Add the juice of 1/2 the lemon (use the remaining lemon cut into 4 wedges for serving). Add lots of freshly chopped basil.
5. Serve with the sausage and, if desired, add crushed red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan.