"The Italian" Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and flavorful Italian spaghetti sauce featuring garlic, basil, plum tomatoes, and sausage, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown garlic in olive oil with sausage.
- Add chopped plum tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
- Add basil before serving and serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine while simmering. If fresh basil isn't available, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead. To save time, pre-cooked sausage can be used, but ensure it's browned properly for flavor. This sauce also works well with ground beef or turkey as a substitute for sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, ideally spaghetti, for a classic dish. A side of garlic bread or a fresh Italian Hors D'Oeuvre Salad complements the meal beautifully. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a Sausage And Pepper Sandwich for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also freeze sauce in portions for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "The Italian" Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 48 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1769mg per serving (77% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes for this recipe. About 2 to 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes should work well. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and add to the skillet. Cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
How do I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this sauce, simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for added texture. You can also enhance the sauce with additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a heartier dish.
What type of sausage is best for this sauce?
Italian sausage, whether sweet or spicy, is ideal for this sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for sweet Italian sausage. For more heat, spicy sausage will add a nice kick. Feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage as a lighter alternative.
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).