To a large pot, add water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add dry pasta. Cook for about 2 minutes before adding broccoli florets. Allow both the pasta and broccoli to cook together for about 5 minutes (this time may change based on the cooking instructions of your pasta- broccoli only needs about 5 minutes to cook so begin by cooking pasta alone for any time over the 5 minute period before adding broccoli) . Drain and rinse before setting aside.

While the pasta and broccoli are cooking add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add sliced sausage and cook until no longer pink in colour. Add the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

To the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add diced shallots, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian spices, dried parsley, and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant and onions are translucent in colour (about 3-4 minutes).

To a food processor or high powered blender add tomato paste mixture, chicken broth and cottage cheese and blend until smooth.

In a large skillet over low heat, add the cherry tomatoes, pasta, broccoli and cooked sausage, allow to cook until tomatoes begin to soften (about 5 minutes). Stir in the cottage cheese sauce and stir until warm. Serve topped with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.