Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering pasta sauce that will transport you straight to an Italian grandmother's kitchen! Granny Smith Jnr's Smoked Sausage Pasta Sauce is not just another recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines smoky, savory flavors with a rich, hearty tomato base that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's so delicious, it'll become an instant family favorite and your new go-to weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of smoked sausage, 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pan.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and slightly crispy on the edges. This will enhance the flavor of the sausage.
- While the sausage is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet.
- Sauté the onion with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Then, add the minced garlic to the mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients well.
- Add 1 tsp of dried thyme to the sauce, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer by increasing the heat slightly. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- While the sauce simmers, you can prepare your pasta according to package instructions. Choose your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set aside. After the sauce has simmered for the designated time, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- To serve, combine the cooked pasta with the smoked sausage sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and sauce mixture into bowls, and if desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Granny Smith Jnr's Smoked Sausage Pasta Sauce!
Tips
- For the best flavor, choose a high-quality smoked sausage with robust seasoning.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the sausage develop a nice crispy exterior will add depth to your sauce.
- Use fresh garlic if possible, as it provides a more intense flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Let the sauce simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together completely.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future quick meals.
- Experiment with different types of pasta to find your perfect pairing - from penne to fusilli, each shape will give a slightly different eating experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
