Baked Spaghetti With Italian Sausage Links
Are you looking for a warm and comforting meal that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds? Look no further than baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links! This dish is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of making baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links, share some tips and tricks, and answer some frequently asked questions about this classic dish.
Ingredients
To make baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links, you'll need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 Italian sausage links
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, remove the sausage from the casing and cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links:
- If you don't have Italian sausage links, you can use ground Italian sausage instead.
- Feel free to add more or less seasoning to suit your tastes.
- You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar or provolone.
- If you're short on time, you can use jarred spaghetti sauce instead of making your own.
- You can cook the spaghetti and sauce in the same skillet to save on dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold when you put it in the oven.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! You can freeze baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and label it with the date. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.
What should I serve with baked spaghetti?
Baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links is a hearty and filling meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread if you like.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti with Italian sausage links is a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a meal that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?