Spicy Sausage Marinara with Parmesan and Basil (45 Minutes)

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Here’s a robust and flavorful dish that combines the heat of spicy sausage with the rich and tangy taste of marinara sauce. Topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves, this pasta dish is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of spice in their meals.

With this recipe, you can choose any type of pasta like macaroni, shells, or even spaghetti to complement this hearty sauce. Ideal for a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your craving for something easy, quick, and delicious.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lb pasta (macaroni, shells, or your choice)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (10-12 minutes): Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown Sausage (10 minutes): In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic (5 minutes): In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent.
  4. Combine Sausage and Marinara Sauce (10 minutes): Return the sausage to the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce (5 minutes): Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and marinara sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For the best results, ensure the sausage is well-browned to add depth of flavor. The marinara sauce can be a store-bought favorite or homemade, depending on your preference.

Adjust the level of spice with additional red pepper flakes if desired. The addition of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese at the end adds freshness and a savory touch to the dish. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread, a simple salad, or your favorite veggies. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Pair this with...

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Parmesan and Lemon Broccolini

Start with fresh broccolini, ensuring they're cleaned and trimmed. Lay them out on a baking sheet, so they've got some space to get nice and crispy. Drizzle with olive oil, letting it coat each stalk with a shiny gloss. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the broccolini, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of cheesy goodness. Into a preheated oven they go, roasting until they're tender with crispy, golden edges. Just before serving, zest a lemon over the top, adding a bright, zingy contrast to the savory Parmesan. Perhaps a squeeze of fresh lemon juice too, for an extra kick.

Grilled Eggplant

Start with a medium-sized eggplant and slice it into even rounds. About 1/2-inch thick is perfect. Before they hit the grill, brush each side with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, or if you're feeling fancy, maybe a hint of garlic powder or smoked paprika. Get that grill nice and hot, then lay the slices down. You're aiming for grill marks and a tender texture, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Just watch for flare-ups if you've been generous with the oil. When they’re soft and slightly charred, pull them off and give them a final sprinkle of fresh herbs, maybe some basil or parsley. Serve them up hot.

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Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!