Pasta with Sausage: A Simple Yet Satisfying Recipe
This recipe for pasta with sausage is a classic for a reason: it's incredibly easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and always delicious. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you to pasta perfection. This guide will cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking tips and variations, ensuring a mouthwatering meal every time.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs and preferences. However, here's a good starting point:
- 1 lb Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite type – sweet, hot, or mild. Removing the sausage from the casings is optional, but it allows for more even cooking.
- 1 lb Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work particularly well with this sauce, but feel free to experiment!
- 1 Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic kick.
- 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the base for your sauce.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements sausage beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil: Another must-have Italian herb.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional additions: Red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of red wine for depth, fresh parsley for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get started!
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make the Sausage Sauce:
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Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Combine and Serve:
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if using) and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Add vegetables: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Wine enhancement: Add a splash of dry red wine to the sauce while it simmers for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with crumbled vegetarian sausage or plant-based ground meat.
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This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
