Boil water in a large pot to cook pasta. When water comes to a full boil, add 1 tbsp coarse salt. Add pasta, stir and cook until tender. I used medium shells and cooked for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

To the now empty pot, add olive oil. Add onions, garlic and cook for one minute. Add sausage and sauté until cooked. I used already cooked sausage so I just needed to heat it up and get a little golden. Add chili flakes and broccoli (fresh or frozen). Stir and cook covered until tender. Uncover and add tomato sauce and pasta. Stir well. Add half and half and stir. Taste and add salt. If you have it, add chopped flat leaf parsley and grated parmesan or romano cheese.

** If using crushed or tomato sauce, add a tsp dried oregano or basil for flavor. Also, a little salt and 1/2 tsp sugar if sauce is too acidic.