Sausage pairs well with fettuccini

Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 12, 2006

For a great weekday meal, pair sausage with a hearty pasta.

Start with the turkey sausage, which is far leaner than traditional pork sausages and usually packaged fully cooked.

After a quick chop, saute with honey and rosemary. Cook the pasta, then toss with a bit of grated Parmesan and the sauteed sausage.

Honey sausage fettuccini

2tablespoons olive oil

1tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves

112-ounce package turkey sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2pound fresh fettuccini pasta

2tablespoons honey

1cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat combine oil and rosemary. When the oil is hot, add the sausage and saute until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes.

Once the water has boiled, add the pasta and cook according to package directions.

While the pasta cooks, add the honey to the sausage and cook, stirring constantly, until it bubbles and thickens.

Once the pasta has cooked, reserve about 1/4 cup cooking water, then drain the fettuccini. Add the pasta and the reserved cooking water to the skillet and toss to coat. Add the cheese and toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 4 servings.