Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty Italian sausage spaghetti sauce with savory sausage, vegetables, and rich tomato flavor, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, cook the sausage until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the prepared spaghetti sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with softened butter.
- Serve the sausage sauce over the hot spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. You can substitute the bulk sausage with sliced Italian Sausage Roll if that's what you have on hand. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the sauce. If you're short on time, use a jar of high-quality marinara sauce instead of prepared spaghetti sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage sauce over the spaghetti and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of Impossible Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer on the stovetop until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Cooked spaghetti can be stored separately, tossed with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 764 calories, with 25g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still make a delicious sauce. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink.
Can I freeze the spaghetti sauce?
You can also freeze the sauce in smaller portions for easy meals later.
What other pasta can I use for this recipe?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific pasta you choose.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).