PASTA WITH SAUSAGE & BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet (12 inches), and cook over high heat for 2 minutes. Take the sausage out of the casing and add it to the hot oil. Cook for about 3 minutes until it browns. Using the back of a wooden spoon, break the sausage up into small, bite-size pieces while it is browning. Turn off the heat. Using a slotted spoon, place the sausage in a bowl; cover and set aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the oil and fat left in the pan, and discard the rest. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, basil and sage, and cook for 4 minutes, stirring well, until the onion and garlic start to brown. (If you like it really spicy, add the optional ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.) Add the reserved sausage and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring well. Add the wine and deglaze the pan. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring well to dislodge the brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Add the diced butternut squash and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. (If you wish, add the optional 2 tablespoons of salt.) When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package. When the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander over the sink. Pour the pasta back into the pot, add the sauce, and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat, add the optional Parmesan cheese and softened butter, and serve.