Ah, the sheer joy of a cozy dinner! When the days get shorter and there’s a nip in the air, nothing’s better than a dish that wraps you in warmth—like a favorite sweater. Picture twirling spaghetti around your fork, each bite creamy and indulgent, with savory Italian sausage whispering promises of comfort. It’s like a love letter to your taste buds, crafted with the simple elegance that only a beloved, family recipe can bring—except, it’s right here, fresh for you to explore.
Steps
- Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
- While the onions are cooking, start boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Use about 4 quarts of water with 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Remove the cooked onion and garlic from the skillet and set them aside. Take the sausage out of its casing and add it to the skillet, breaking it up with your fingers. Cook the sausage over medium heat until it is lightly browned.
- Return the cooked onions and garlic to the skillet, then add the crushed or puréed canned tomatoes with their juices. Mix everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti to the pot. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually 10 to 12 minutes, until it is al dente. Drain the pasta when done.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in a serving bowl. Toss together and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 6 ounces (170g) Italian sweet sausage (1 link, 7 to 8 inches long)
- 6 ounces (170g) Italian hot and spicy sausage (1 link, 7 to 8 inches long)
- 1 (28-ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes (alternatively, purée a can of whole peeled tomatoes)
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- Kosher salt
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1964 | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 4424mg | Carbohydrates: 216g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 48g | Protein: 100g | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 468mg | Iron: 20mg | Potassium: 3776mg
FAQ
- Can I make the spaghetti sauce in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can double the recipe, use half for your meal, and freeze the rest for up to 3 months. Just remember not to freeze the sauce with the pasta already mixed in.
- What if I want more sauce on my spaghetti?
- This recipe is designed to be light on sauce, similar to how spaghetti is traditionally served in Italy. If you prefer more sauce, you can thin it with some water or add extra canned tomatoes.
- Is it possible to adjust the amount of sausage in the sauce?
- Absolutely! You can vary the amount of sausage according to your preference. The recipe works well with anywhere from 1/2 pound to a full pound of Italian sausage, using a mix of sweet and spicy.
- What side dishes go well with Italian sausage spaghetti?
- To complement your spaghetti dinner, consider serving it with garlic bread, cheesy bread, make-ahead dinner rolls, a Caesar salad, or a kale salad with creamy Parmesan dressing.
- How do I know when the spaghetti is cooked perfectly?
- The spaghetti is ready when it is al dente, meaning it’s cooked but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the instructions on your pasta package.
Tips
- Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, or make a larger batch and freeze half for future meals, ensuring you have a quick meal option ready when needed.
- To balance the flavors, adjust the amount of Italian sausage in the sauce to your preference, using anywhere between half to a full pound, and consider mixing sweet and spicy varieties for a more complex taste.
- If you prefer a saucier pasta dish, consider adding extra canned tomatoes or a bit of water to the sauce to achieve your desired consistency.
- For a well-rounded meal, pair the spaghetti with sides like garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or cheesy bread to complement the flavors and enhance your dining experience.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Chef’s Knife (for chopping onions and mincing garlic)
- Cutting Board
- Garlic Press (optional, for mincing garlic)
- Can Opener (for opening canned tomatoes)
