Why You’ll Love this Rustic Sausage & Sage Fettuccine
When comfort food meets elegance, you get this rustic sausage and sage fettuccine that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I’m obsessed with how the crispy Italian sausage pairs with delicate sage and golden garlic – a flavor trifecta that’s simply irresistible.
The beauty lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of quality ingredients coming together in about 20 minutes.
Who doesn’t appreciate a restaurant-worthy pasta that’s doable on busy weeknights? The way the cheese melts into the buttery sauce, coating each strand of pasta… heavenly.
Comfort food doesn’t get more sophisticated than this.
What Ingredients are in Rustic Sausage & Sage Fettuccine?
This rustic pasta dish is all about letting a few key ingredients shine together in perfect harmony. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic sage, and golden garlic creates a flavor profile that’s simultaneously sophisticated and comforting. I love how this recipe doesn’t try to overcomplicate things—it’s just good, honest ingredients that know how to play well together.
- 3/4 pound fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 3 ounces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
When shopping for this recipe, quality really matters. Try to find authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano rather than pre-grated parmesan—the flavor difference is remarkable. And don’t skip the fresh sage, as dried simply won’t deliver the same aromatic punch. For the sausage, sweet Italian is specified, but you could experiment with hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier kick. Remember, pasta dishes like this one are all about balance, so using good olive oil and real butter (not margarine) will make a noticeable difference in the final result.
How to Make this Rustic Sausage & Sage Fettuccine
Let’s dive right into preparing this comforting pasta dish—it’s easier than you might think! Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your 3/4 pound of fettuccine. Cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking.
While the pasta works its magic in the pot, we’ll create that gorgeous savory sauce that makes this dish so special. In a heavy large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add your 8 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté just until they turn light golden, which should take about 45 seconds—careful not to burn them or they’ll turn bitter.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer these golden garlic treasures to a bowl for safekeeping. Now, crank the heat up to medium-high, toss in your 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh sage, and let it crisp up for about 10 seconds, releasing its woody, aromatic oils.
Next comes the star of the show: add 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage with casings removed, breaking it up with a fork as it browns. This should take around 8 minutes, and you’re looking for that delicious caramelization in spots for maximum flavor.
Once your pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. This is where the magic happens—use tongs to toss everything together, allowing the pasta to mingle with all those flavorful bits in the pan.
If you need to finely mince ingredients quickly, a professional food processor would make this preparation much more efficient and consistent.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, transfer the whole beautiful mess to a large serving bowl, and crown it with those crispy garlic slices you set aside earlier and a generous showering of 1 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
And there you have it—a rustic Italian feast that serves four lucky people. The combination of fatty sausage, aromatic sage, and nutty cheese creates a harmony that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Could pasta comfort food get any better?
Rustic Sausage & Sage Fettuccine Substitutions and Variations
While this rustic pasta dish shines with its original ingredients, you’re never stuck following the recipe to the letter. I’m all about making it work with what you have on hand.
Don’t have fettuccine? Pappardelle or linguine make excellent alternatives. The sausage can be swapped for chicken, turkey sausage, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Fresh sage is ideal, but dried works in a pinch—just use less. And that Parmigiano-Reggiano? Pecorino Romano offers a sharper flavor profile, or try Asiago for something different.
What to Serve with Rustic Sausage & Sage Fettuccine
Pairing the right side dishes with this robust fettuccine transforms a simple pasta night into a complete dining experience.
I always recommend a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese. The peppery greens and bright acidity? Perfect contrast.
For bread, nothing beats garlic-rubbed ciabatta, lightly toasted.
And don’t forget a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese—their slight acidity and fruity notes complement the sage and sausage beautifully.
Want something extra? Roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine add a sweet, caramelized element that’ll make everyone swoon.
Final Thoughts
This rustic sausage and sage fettuccine has become my go-to recipe for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. The combination of crispy sausage, aromatic sage, and golden garlic creates a pasta that feels indulgent without being complicated.
I love how the Parmigiano-Reggiano adds that perfect salty finish, melting slightly into the warm pasta.
What makes this dish special is its versatility. You can adjust the heat level with red pepper flakes, swap in different pasta shapes, or even add some seasonal vegetables.
Simple ingredients, transformative flavors—isn’t that what good cooking is all about?
