amazingly yummy, healthy, easy dinner for two

This recipe was adapted from one I found in the August issue of Real Simple:

Ingredients needed:

1 large or 2 small spicy italian turkey sausage(s)

1 8oz. package whole wheat spaghetti

2 small to medium sized zucchini

1/2 of a large red onion

2 T. shredded parmesan cheese

a handful of baby cherry tomatoes

olive oil

3 garlic cloves

dash of salt and pepper

1 twig of fresh rosemary

1 T. honey

Preparation:

*Note* It takes pasta different amounts of time to boil depending on your altitude. Adjust start time of veggies and sausage accordingly.

1. While water is coming to a boil for pasta, chop zucchini (in thin slices) and half red onion (in medium to large slices). Cut baby cherry tomatoes in half and set aside.

2. Following package directions, cook whole wheat pasta in boiling water (add a little olive oil and salt). I like to turn heat down from hi just a bit (8 on a scale of 1 to 10) to cook thoroughly once the pasta is placed in the water.

*Note* Do steps 3 and 4 at the same time

3. While pasta is boiling, cook sausage in small pan over medium heat (add olive oil, salt, pepper, and one clove of crushed or sliced garlic. "Chop" up sausage into bite sized pieces with the utensil you are using to cook it while it is in the pan (think of the way sausage looks on a pizza - that size is about right).

4. In large pan mix about 1 T. of olive oil, dash of salt, chopped zucchini, chopped onion, two cloves of crushed or sliced garlic, honey, and one twig of rosemary (pull off sections and spread out in pan). Cook on medium heat until just golden (don't cook until limp - veggies always taste better and retain more nutrients when not overly cooked. They should still have a slight crunch to them). Feel free to add more olive oil if the veggies start sticking to the pan.

5. Keep and eye on the boiling pasta. When it is ready, remove from heat and drain, return to pot.

6. Dish onto 2 plates in this order:

a. pasta

b. top with zucchini and onion mix

drizzle a small amount of olive oil over a. and b.

c. sausage

d. cover with tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese

e. add cherry tomatoes on top

f. garnish with any extra fresh rosemary you have left

On the side: add a quick arugula, spinach, and crasin salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a slice of toasted whole wheat bread with a very thin layer of goat cheese and you have a lovely meal for two in about 35 minutes. Enjoy!