Sausage Spaghetti Recipe | Spagehtti With Italian Sausage

PUBLISHED August 25, 2025· MODIFIED August 25, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1388 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you love hearty, savory, and flavorful pasta dishes, this Sausage Spaghetti recipe is for you! Combining the richness of Italian sausage, the sweetness of marinara sauce, and the depth of garlic, this dish is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pasta Dish

Quick & Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Flavorful. The Italian sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy marinara sauce.
Comforting. A warm, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Affordable. Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Customizable. You can make it mild or spicy, depending on your taste.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this easy-to-make pasta will quickly become a favorite.

What Does Sausage Spaghetti Taste Like?

Sausage Spaghetti is a flavor-packed dish that balances the savory, slightly spicy sausage with the sweetness and acidity of marinara sauce.

The spaghetti itself is coated in a rich, garlicky sauce, with the sausage adding a meaty bite that’s perfectly complemented by the tang of the tomatoes.

The dish has a wonderful depth of flavor, with the spices and herbs in the sausage creating a hearty base, while the pasta brings a satisfying texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian Sausage– Ground Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, is the star of this dish, bringing rich flavor and a bit of heat.
Spaghetti– The classic pasta choice for this dish, but you can swap it out for another favorite like penne or rigatoni.
Olive Oil– Used for sautéing the sausage and garlic, creating a flavorful base.
Garlic– Minced garlic adds an aromatic, savory kick to the sauce.
Marinara Sauce– The base of the sauce, providing a tangy, tomato-filled layer of flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes– Adds a bit of heat, perfect for those who like spicy food.
Salt and Pepper– To season the sauce and pasta to perfection.
Parmesan Cheese– Freshly grated for a sprinkle of cheesy goodness on top of the finished dish.
Fresh Basil or Parsley– For garnish and a fresh, herbal flavor.

How To Make Sausage Spaghetti

Cook the Pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later if needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Brown the Sausage. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Sauté the Garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Add the Marinara Sauce. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Stir to combine, making sure the sausage is well-coated with the sauce. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated in the delicious, meaty sauce. Continue to toss until the pasta is mixed with the sauce.
Serve and Garnish. Divide the pasta into serving plates. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Sausage Spaghetti:

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan. Fresh Parmesan has a better flavor and melts more smoothly compared to pre-grated cheese.
Season the Pasta Water. Salt the water generously before cooking the pasta. This helps to flavor the pasta from the inside out.
Choose Your Sausage Wisely. Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
Let the Sauce Simmer. Allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes helps to bring all the flavors together, creating a richer, more flavorful sauce.

Variations

While this sausage spaghetti recipe is already packed with flavor, here are some fun variations you can try:

Sausage and Peppers– Add sautéed bell peppers and onions to the sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
Spicy– Use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes to turn up the heat.
Sausage and Mushroom– Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor that complements the sausage.
Cheesy– Stir in some ricotta or mozzarella cheese into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy version.

What To Eat With Sausage Spaghetti

Sausage spaghetti is a hearty meal on its own, but you can enhance it with a few side dishes to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread– Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Caesar Salad– A refreshing, crisp salad with a creamy dressing provides a great contrast to the rich spaghetti.
Roasted Vegetables– Roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini are great for adding a healthy element to your meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Sausage spaghetti is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze sausage spaghetti! To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in a skillet, adding a little pasta water or broth to help revive the sauce.

More Weeknight Meal Ideas

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