pasta sauce with italian sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta sauce with italian sausage recipe

I’m so excited to share this pasta sauce with Italian sausage recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the rich, meaty flavor of the Italian sausage and the tangy taste of the tomato sauce is just perfect.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. I first tried this recipe when I was in college, and it quickly became a staple in my dorm room.

My roommates and I would often have impromptu dinner parties, and this dish was always at the center of the menu. We’d cook up a big pot of sausage and sauce, serve it over some crusty bread or pasta, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors. Over time, I’ve tweaked this recipe to make it my own.

I’ve added a bit more garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. But the core ingredients remain the same: Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a blend of herbs and spices. This pasta sauce with Italian sausage recipe is more than just a meal – it’s an experience.

It’s a taste of Italy in every bite, with its rich flavors and hearty portions. And it’s perfect for any occasion: a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion like Christmas or Easter, or even just a cozy night in with some good friends. As for why I love this recipe so much?

Well, it’s simple: it’s delicious, easy to make, and can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary need. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to cook up some sausages and indulge in that rich, meaty flavor?

Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce

4.7 from 1121 votes

This hearty pasta sauce features Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It is a robust and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with any pasta shape.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 lb sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion.
4Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
5Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6Pour in the crushed tomatoes and red wine if using.
7Add the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
8Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
9Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
10Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
11Stir in the fresh basil or parsley just before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce before adding the fresh herbs.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce Works

This pasta sauce with Italian sausage is a recipe I turn to again and again. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for a family gathering.

The leftovers store well in the fridge for up to five days, and you can reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Whether you are feeding your own kids or hosting a dinner party, this sauce always hits the spot.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce

Q1: What type of Italian sausage should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use sweet Italian sausage. You can usually find it in the meat department at most grocery stores. If you can’t find sweet Italian sausage, you can also use hot Italian sausage or even regular pork sausage as a substitute.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! This pasta sauce with Italian sausage recipe makes about 6 servings, so you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Simply cook up the sausage and sauce as directed, then store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q3: How do I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

If you like your food mild but still want that kick of spice from the Italian sausage, simply omit adding red pepper flakes altogether. For those who prefer their food spicier, you can add an additional teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes depending on your desired level of heat.

Q4: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You sure can! While fresh tomatoes will add more texture to your dish (which might not be what you’re looking for), they’ll also give off more water content than canned tomatoes do when cooked down into sauce form – resulting in slightly thinner consistency overall – however; using ripe cherry tomatoes worked surprisingly well too!

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