This recipe was inspired by a coupon (not an unusual story for this household). I had a coupon for Barilla Collezione pasta, so I picked up a box of orecchiette. I thought about the flavors and textures that might complement the orecchiette (which is French for "small ear," so you can tell your kids you are eating ears for dinner - you're welcome). I picked up some ground sausage because I thought ground meat would sit nicely inside the shell-like shape of the pasta. I picked up mushrooms because I love their rustic woodsy flavor.