Spicy Sausage Marinara (50 Minutes)

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Take a simple plate of macaroni noodles up a notch by smothering it with a hearty spicy sausage marinara! This dish is a flavorful union of savory sausage, fresh basil, and aromatic diced red pepper. It’s that perfect comfort meal that’s easy to make but feels like a special treat. With a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to finish, it’s a plate you’ll want to dive into right away.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz macaroni noodles
  • 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni (10 minutes): In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sausage (10 minutes): In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the sliced sausage until browned. Once done, transfer to a plate.
  3. Cook the Veggies (10 minutes): In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until they become translucent. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook until slightly softened.
  4. Combine and Simmer (15 minutes): Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Add Fresh Basil (2 minutes): Stir in the fresh basil and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Serve (3 minutes): Place a portion of the cooked macaroni on each plate, generously ladle the spicy sausage marinara over the noodles, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This spicy sausage marinara over macaroni is a flavorful and satisfying dish, but don’t feel limited to just macaroni noodles; feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. For those who love a cheesy touch, adding some grated mozzarella to the sauce and letting it melt can be a game-changer. Don’t skip the Parmesan finish; it beautifully complements the heat of the dish. If you’re looking for something fresh to balance the flavors, a side of a crisp green salad pairs wonderfully. And for those who want to dial up the heat even more, you can always toss in a few more red pepper flakes!

*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: 530
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Pair this with...

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

"Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab some fresh asparagus stalks and snap off the woody ends—no knife needed, they'll naturally break where the tender part starts. Then, take a slice of thin prosciutto and wrap it snugly around each asparagus stalk, spiraling from one end to the other. Lay these wrapped beauties side by side on a baking tray. A sprinkle of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil will amplify the flavors. Slide them into the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You're aiming for the prosciutto to crisp up a bit and the asparagus to be tender yet still have some bite. When they're ready, plate them up, maybe with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Spanish Pan con Tomato

To start, grab a rustic baguette or loaf of country bread, and slice it into half-inch thick pieces. Toast these slices either in a toaster until they're golden brown, or go traditional by slightly charring them on a grill. While your bread's toasting, cut a ripe tomato in half. Here comes the magic: take a toasted slice, and while it's still warm, rub one side vigorously with the cut side of the tomato. The juice and pulp should soak into the bread, giving it a gorgeous rosy hue. Follow this up by drizzling some good-quality olive oil over the top. A sprinkle of sea salt and maybe a rub of raw garlic clove, and you've transported your taste buds straight to a Spanish veranda. Serve immediately while everything's fresh and vibrant.

Leafy Greens Side Salad

Kick things off with a bed of your favorite mixed greens—whether it's spinach, arugula, romaine, or a combination of all. Next, layer on thinly sliced red onion, adding a sharp and colorful zing. Slice a cucumber into neat rounds, offering cool and refreshing bites throughout the salad. Halve some juicy cherry tomatoes and scatter them in, lending their sweet-tart bursts. Finally, dot the salad with pitted green olives, introducing a briny depth. For dressing, a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper does wonders. Drizzle it over the salad, toss everything gently, and serve.

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