With veggies, complex carbs, and protein all in one bowl, this super quick family dinner of Spaghetti with Sausage is made for easy cooking. It has only four ingredients, comes together in about 20 minutes, and is super versatile.
I’m always on the hunt for fast family dinners that everyone at my table (mostly!) enjoys and this Spaghetti with Sausage is a regular favorite. It’s easy for the kids to see the ingredients so there’s no need to be scared of what’s on their dinner plate, and the flavors are pleasing to both kids and adults.
I love this recipe even more since it’s so easy to customize. If you want to use homemade or easy marinara sauce instead of jarred sauce, totally fine. If you want to use pork or chicken sausage, great! If you want to add a vegetable, that’s easy to do too. If you love spicy foods, top your plate with crushed red pepper. Swap things in and out as you see fit to please your people.
(You may also like Best Easy Meatball Recipes, Sausage Meatballs, Pasta with Yogurt Sauce, and Green Pasta Sauce.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you need to make Spaghetti with Sausage so you know what to have on hand or pick up from the store.
- Olive oil: I keep extra virgin olive oil in my kitchen, so that’s what I use to start this recipe. You can also use butter if you prefer.
- Garlic: You can mince fresh cloves of garlic or use jarred minced garlic to make this a little easier.
- Spaghetti: Use whichever kind you like, whether traditional, gluten-free, or higher protein.
- Mild Italian sausage: I really like the mild flavor Italian chicken sausage, but you can use turkey, pork, or other type of sausage if you prefer. (You can use spicy Italian sausage if your family prefers that, too!) You can also use link sausage and just slice or dice it, or remove it from the casings.
- Marinara sauce: I typically make this with a jar of sauce to make this super easy, though you can use Easy Marinara Sauce or Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce.
- Parmesan cheese, butter, cracked black pepper, or other toppings as desired.
TIP: You can add veggies to this dish if you want. Add minced bell peppers or mushrooms to the pan with the garlic as two options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the straightforward process involved in making this Easy Spaghetti with Sausage. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full info.
Step 1. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. When warm, add the garlic and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sausage.
Step 2. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly, or until cooked through and fully browned.
Step 3. Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions.
Step 4. Drain spaghetti and add to the pan with the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Cook the sausage through Step 2, then toss in the cooked pasta, adding a little butter, olive oil, or pasta cooking water for moisture as needed. You can add more flavor with a little fresh lemon juice, pesto, basil, or cheese.
You can use bulk sausage or link sausage, either sliced or squeezed out of the casing, as you like. Beef, pork, turkey, or chicken sausage all work.
Add 1 cup of minced bell pepper or mushrooms to the pan in Step 1. They will soften as the rest of the ingredients cook.
Serving Suggestions
I recommend snipping the spaghetti with kitchen shears for kids so it’s easier to chew—or let them cut up their own noodles with kid-size scissors. Then you can serve it with Parmesan cheese and any easy sides you want like a salad kit or sliced cucumbers.
How to Store
Store leftover Spaghetti with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm through to serve.
Best Tips for Success
- Use mild Italian sausage, bulk or links according to what you like and can find. Slice the links or squeeze out the sausage from the casings as desired.
- You can use any kind of pasta you prefer.
- Cut up spaghetti for the kids with kitchen shears.
- Add a vegetable to this dish by adding minced bell pepper or mushrooms to the pan with the garlic.
Related Recipes
I’d love to know how your family enjoyed this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share.
Spaghetti with Sausage
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage (bulk or sliced links)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. When warm, add the garlic and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sausage and cook for 8 minutes, stirring regularly, or until cooked through and fully browned.
- Add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Meanwhile, prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and add to the pan with the sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with Parmesan.
Notes
- Store leftover Spaghetti with Sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm through to serve.
- Cut up spaghetti with kitchen scissors to make it easier for little kids to eat.
- Add a veggie by adding 1 cup minced bell pepper or mushrooms to Step 1 with the garlic.
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage according to your preference.
- Use bulk Italian sausage, remove sausage links from the casing, or slice links in half. They all work similarly.
Nutrition
This post was first published July 2020.
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