Lotties Calabrian Ground Sausage (1 lb)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package Lottie’s Calabrian Sausage


• 16 oz orecchiette (or preferred pasta)


• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil


• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced


• ½ tsp red pepper flakes


• Kernels from 2 large ears of corn (3 if small)


• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes


• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed


• ½ cup grated Parmesan


• Salt & pepper to taste


• Fresh basil leaves


• (Optional) Squeeze of lemon

DIRECTIONS

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 ½ cups pasta water; drain.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground pork sausage, breaking into crumbles, 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

(Optional) Deglaze pan with a splash of white wine. Add garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, 2–3 minutes. Stir in red pepper flakes and a few basil leaves.

Add corn and tomatoes; cook 3–4 minutes until tender. Pour in ½ cup water; simmer 1–2 minutes.

Toss in pasta with ½–¾ cup reserved water. Add butter and Parmesan; stir until creamy.

Return sausage to pan. Adjust seasoning. Add more pasta water if needed for creaminess.

Serve topped with basil, extra Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.