Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages
Italian families love their Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages. Here’s my version that I’ve mastered with over 15 years of cooking. This is a standard meal for Sundays, no special feast days required. However – it would make any holiday or special moment that much more tasty!
Why This Recipe Works for a Family
Italian families love their Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages. The hearty combination of spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful sausages creates a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for family gatherings.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausages (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Preparation
- 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. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausages: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once cool enough to handle, slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced sausages back into the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well-coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations
- Sausage Variations: Try using a mix of mild and spicy Italian sausages for a more complex flavor. You can also use chicken sausages for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausages with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary can be added to the sauce for a different flavor profile.
Catholic Feast Days to Enjoy This Recipe
While this dish is perfect for any Sunday, it can also be a wonderful addition to your table on Catholic feast days. Consider serving this Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages on days such as:
- Any Sunday: This Sunday Spaghetti is a staple for a relaxing family meal at the end of the week. Its hearty flavors and comforting textures make it a perfect centerpiece for Sunday gatherings.
- Feast of All Saints (November 1): Honor all the saints with a hearty and satisfying meal. This spaghetti dish is perfect for feeding a large group and is a comforting dish for fall.
- Feast of St. Joseph (March 19): Celebrate one of the most traditional Italian Feast Days with a dish that reflects humble yet rich traditions. This spaghetti and sausage meal is a great way to honor St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers and families.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe can be prepared ahead of time to make your Sunday meal even more convenient:
- Tomato Sauce: The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Sausages: Cook and slice the sausages ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add them to the sauce.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti before serving.
What to Do with Leftovers
Leftover Sunday sauce with sausages can be repurposed in several delicious ways:
- Pasta Bake: Combine the leftover spaghetti and sauce with some ricotta cheese, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use the leftovers to stuff bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.
- Pizza Topping: Spread the sauce and sausage mixture over pizza dough, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a quick and easy dinner.
Have you made this Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages? Let us know!
Enjoy your Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages, a timeless family favorite that brings everyone together around the table!
Sunday Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Sausages
All you need for a traditional Sunday dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g spaghetti
- 1 lb 450g Italian sausages (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 28 oz of whole peeled plum tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried or frozen oregano
- 1 tsp dried or frozen basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Once cool enough to handle, slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the sliced sausages back into the sauce and simmer for as long as possible (1.5 – 2 hours) Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well-coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
