Heat a large pot of water over high heat and bring to boil. Generously salt the water {salty as the sea} and cook pasta according to directions on the box. Drain pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage, breaking up with a spoon while it cooks. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Do not drain the sausage drippings.