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.

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

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/spicy-sausage-marinara-50-minutes/