Linguine with Chorizo, Broccoli, Chickpeas, Garlic and Lemon

I feel the need to explain myself with the posting of a second, fairly simple pasta dish two days in a row. (Though they look similar, they are worlds apart!) Beneath the heading, Design Wine and Dine, I note how we try to live "simply" - this is just one example of what I mean...

About a year ago, I was laid off from a decent paying position and found myself home with our two children under four. While it never feels good to be 'let go' from a job where you've invested so much time and energy, it was just that..."a job." Perhaps a blessing in disguise, before the lay-off we were paying an arm and a leg for daycare, we could just barely justify. My days...that used to be spent running to drop-offs, packing diapers amongst spread sheets, and wiping milk off my black, tweed, Ann Taylor blazer... are now happily spent home with the kids - taking walks, playing, gardening, cooking and writing this blog. One salary, one car, two children, a hard working husband ...and a life I adore.

Which brings me to this dish, Linguine with Chorizo Sausage, Broccoli, Garlic, Chickpeas & Lemon, a result of not being able to get out of the house and so using ingredients on hand. ("On hand"...there's that phrase again...I think someone needs to get to the store!) Not a huge fan of pasta drenched and swimming in sauce...this flavorful dinner's slightly spicy, RUSTIC undertones looked beautiful and tasted worthy a spot on the menu at your favorite local Italian cafe!

Linguine with Chorizo, Broccoli,
Chickpeas, Garlic and Lemon

1 lb linguine
6-8 chorizo sausage links
2-4 tablespoons olive oil (plus more to drizzle on at the end)
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 head of broccoli - most of the stems removed
1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
Approx 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon juice
Fresh cracked pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Remove chorizo from castings and cook up over medium heat in a heavy pot, breaking up into small pieces - about 8-10 min. Remove Chorizo from pot and discard most, but not all, of the oil at the bottom of the pot. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and chopped garlic and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add chickpeas and broccoli, saute up for approx 8 minutes, add chorizo back to the pot and incorporate all ingredients. Let cool slightly and PULSE in a food processor - just a few times to your desired texture.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Add the sausage mixture to the pasta, a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, squirt of lemon, olive oil and fresh cracked pepper. Toss with tongs and enjoy!