1996 National Sausage Month Award-Winning Recipes Honorable Mention Winner Dee Cardenas Altimont of Austin, TX.

Linguine with Turkey Sausage and Pesto

Cooking spray
3/4 pound turkey sausage

1 pound linguine pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
4 green onions, sliced thin
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1. Fully cook turkey sausage by frying in a pan with cooking spray. Allow to cool slightly and slice into 1/2 inch medallions.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, keep warm.
3. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add all vegetables and saute until soft, about seven minutes.
4. Add turkey, pasta, pesto and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Makes 4 servings.

Council hint: This recipe also works well with regular Italian sausage.

Recipe provided courtesy National Hot Dog And Sausage Council.