Sausage and Butternut Fettuccini

I have been working on this recipe for a little while and it is so tasty and just speaks of fall. I have made it before with homemade pasta but here I made it with store bought pasta. It is really good and I think it is a current favorite of mine.

Sausage and Butternut Fettuccine

• 1/4 c pecan pieces
  
• 1/4 lb Italian sausage
  
• 2 tsp sage leaves, sliced thinly and divided


• 1/2 of a butternut squash, cooked through and cut into 1 inch cubes
  
• 2 Tbs butter


• 1 lb fresh fettuccine


• 1/2 c pasta water reserved

I start out with a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans lightly until they smell warm and nutty. Be really careful to keep moving the pan so they will not burn. Once they are toasted remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same hot skillet break up the Italian Sausage into small pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Get the pasta water hot and get the pasta cooking and finish the sauce. Toss the squash and sage leaves into the skillet with the sausage and warm through. Add in the butter and a little pasta water if you need it to make a sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and then toss with your drained fettuccine.

Serve topped with the toasted nuts and enjoy! This will definitely warm you up and have it feel like fall.