Sprout and Sausage Rigatoni

This is so good - and a bit unexpected. The bratwurst sausage adds such a great flavor with sauted brussels sprouts and rigatoni.

Ingredients

• 4 uncooked bratwurst, casings removed

• 1 pound rigatoni

• 3 cups brussels sprouts, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/2 lemon, juiced

• 1 teaspoon fennel seed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large salted pot of water to a boil and cook to al dente.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until tender. Add the sausage a pinch of salt and pepper and the fennel. Saute until cooked through. Add the brussels sprouts and saute until just tender.

3. Add 1/4 cup pasta water to the skillet and toss with the rigatoni. Mix in the lemon juice and parmesan cheese.

Takes 20 minutes

Serves 4