Linguine with Sausage Sauce

Since I short-changed you with the Spaghetti in a Box post, I'll stick with the pasta theme and post a similar, yet oh-so-different, Linguine with Sausage Sauce.

You'll need:

1 package Linguine noodles

1 12 oz. package raw pork sausage (I used Farmer John's spicey sausage, but if your store brand is on sale, just use that!)

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped (remember, the entire bulb of garlic, or "head" of garlic, is what you buy raw at the store. Each bulb consists of 15 -20 cloves - the individual sections of the garlic. You need to peel the onion-like skin off the garlic clove, and then chop it up.

1 jar Pasta sauce (I used Ragu because it was on sale - but any brand will do)

1 can mushrooms, sliced.

Salad stuff (however simple or complicated you want to make your salad.)

In a large frying pan, cook the sausage, drain the grease, and set aside.
In the same pan (using the sausage drippings in lieu of oil), saute the chopped onions and chopped garlic. Stir periodically, and remove from heat when the onion starts to brown.

Add to the cooked sausage. Stir in the sliced canned mushrooms. (If you're using fresh mushrooms, add the mushrooms to your sautee mix after the onions and garlic have had a head start).

Cook your linguine according to package directions (the usual big pan of water, a little oil and salt, bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for about 10 minutes).

While you're cooking the pasta, in a separate pan, heat the jar of pasta sauce, stirrring in the sausage and onion mixture. Heat over low, stirring frequently.

Drain and rinse the linguini, dish a serving size in a bowl, scoop on an appropriate amount of sause, and grate fresh parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve with a yummy chopped salad.