Spaghetti Sauce With Sweet Italian Sausage
Spaghetti is a favorite pasta dish of many Americans, and it's no surprise why. The simple, yet delicious combination of pasta and sauce is a classic that never gets old. One of the most popular sauces to pair with spaghetti is a rich, hearty tomato sauce, and adding sweet Italian sausage to it takes it to a whole new level.
Ingredients
To make spaghetti sauce with sweet Italian sausage, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make spaghetti sauce with sweet Italian sausage:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot and stir to combine.
- If using red wine, add it to the pot and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving over cooked spaghetti noodles.
Variations
While the above recipe for spaghetti sauce with sweet Italian sausage is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to make it your own:
- Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage for a spicier sauce.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Top the finished dish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Conclusion
Spaghetti sauce with sweet Italian sausage is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just making a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Try it out for yourself and see why it's one of the most popular pasta dishes in America.