Recipe: Pasta with Sausage & Mushrooms

There are so many times when I get unexpected company for dinner.

That is not a complaint!  I love to have guests.

That being said, I feel the constant need to be prepared.

That means, always having bacon in the house just in case someone stops by for breakfast.

That also means, always having a good bottle of wine and necessary ingredients for a yummy dinner on hand.

This recipe for Pasta with Sausage & Mushrooms is something I invented on accident.

…and am I glad I made that mistake!  It’s a family dinner time favorite and very quick to prepare.

I’ve made it for several different guests on different occasions, and I always get sincere compliments.

This is a definite do for unexpected dinner guests.

Just don’t forget to take the sausage ring out of the freezer as soon as they show up!

Pasta with Sausage & Mushrooms

Ingredients: 

(1-1/2) Pounds Cheese and Parsley Sausage Ring (Cut into bite size cubes.)

(2) Packages Cleaned & Sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms

(1) Can Diced Tomatoes

(1) Cup White Cooking Wine

(1) Large Onion (Diced)

(1) Cup Olive Oil

(1) Tbsp Garlic Powder

(1) Tbsp Dried Basil Leaves

Salt & Pepper to taste

(1-1/2) Pounds Barilla Medium Shells Pasta

Pecorino Romano Grated Cheese

In a large skillet, heat up half of the olive oil.  Add the onions and cook until they are translucent.  Add the mushrooms to the onions and cook until half the natural water evaporates (about 10 minutes on medium heat).  Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat up the second half of the olive oil and brown the cut up sausage.  Shut off the flame and let sit on the side.  Add the white wine to the mushrooms and let cook for about 2 minutes.  Mix the sausage into the large skillet and add the can of diced tomatoes (drained) and all of the listed seasonings.  Let cook for an additional 15 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

In a separate pot, boil the pasta until it’s al dente.

Mix together and serve.  Garnish with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano grated cheese on top.

Hint:  Scoop from the bottom of the serving bowl to evenly distribute the juices.

What is your go to meal for unexpected dinner guests?