Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This mouthwatering Spaghetti with Italian Sausage Ragout is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender spaghetti perfectly coated in a rich, hearty sauce packed with savory Italian sausage, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to be your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 300g Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and break it into small chunks using your hands or a wooden spoon.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the sausage chunks to the skillet and cook until they are browned and fully cooked, breaking them into smaller pieces as they cook, about 6-7 minutes.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing them with the back of a spoon if they are whole. Stir to combine with the sausage and onions.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Season the ragout with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the ragout, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh torn basil leaves and optionally, grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh Italian sausage and ripe canned tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sausage: Take time to brown the sausage thoroughly, as this develops deep, rich flavors in the ragout.
- Master the Pasta Cooking: Always cook spaghetti al dente - it should have a slight bite to it. Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté the onions and garlic slowly to build a flavor foundation before adding the sausage and tomatoes.
- Simmer Slowly: Let the ragout simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken naturally.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh basil as a garnish to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Optional Upgrade: For an extra touch of luxury, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 672kcal
Carbohydrates: 79g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 53mg
