Spicy Spaghetti with Sausage is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the hearty flavors of Italian sausage with the comforting appeal of pasta. This recipe balances the heat from red pepper flakes with the rich, savory taste of sausage, creating a dish that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of spice in their meal.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti: 12 ounces (or about 340 grams)
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450 grams), casing removed and crumbled
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 large, diced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces or 800 grams)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust based on spice preference)
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausage:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Make the Sauce:
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine. Add the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve the spicy spaghetti with sausage hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with a different type of sausage or ground meat based on your preference.