In a skillet sauté onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil until translucent, about three minutes. Add garlic, cook an additional two minutes, stir in sausage, crumble and brown well.
Deglaze with wine and reduce to half, add tomatoes, two cups of water, salt and red pepper, simmer for about half hour until water is evaporated and sauce is thick.
In a separate skillet sauté Brussels sprouts leaves with remaining olive oil, salt and pepper until slightly browned and thoroughly cooked, about five minutes.
Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions, drain and toss with meat sauce, top with Brussels sprouts and cheese before serving.
Notes
Wine pairing: Primitivo is “full-bodied”, a good structure wine that can stand up well with this rich, assertive flavor pasta, or a Zinfandel for the same reasons.