Spaghetti with Sausage

This Spaghetti with Sausage recipe is made with a homemade tomato marinara sauce flavored with zesty herbs like basil and oregano. Grab your favorite Italian or andouille sausage for this one-pot weeknight meal.

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Nothing beats a big pot of spaghetti waiting for you on the stove! Especially since it reheats so well the next day. Day-after-spaghetti is always better than when you first make it because the sauce and all of those flavors have more time to marinate and sink in.

What Type of Pasta to Use

I’m using spaghetti pasta. You can use whatever type of pasta you like including whole wheat (cook in accordance with the instructions on the package) or low carb spiralized vegetables.

Do You Break the Spaghetti in Half

People often break their spaghetti in half so that it will fit in the pot they are using to cook the pasta. I find I don’t need to do this and it’s frowned upon, especially in Italian culture. Some even consider it bad luck. The pasta is meant to be eaten by twirling it around your fork. It’s hard to do that if you have smaller pieces.

It won’t harm the pasta if you do! So if you must, feel free!

Use a pot that is large enough to fill 5-7 quarts of water. Once you add the spaghetti to boiling water it will wilt down quickly and fit the pot.

Add Salt to the Water When Cooking the Pasta

You should always salt your water when cooking pasta. The salt won’t sink into the flavor of the pasta because it doesn’t absorb most of it. The salt will keep the pasta from being sticky and slimy. I usually add a teaspoon.

What Type of Meat to Use

Any ground meat such as ground beef, turkey, or chicken will work well. Use whatever you prefer.

What Type of Sausage to Use

You will need sausage links for the recipe. Any sausage will work, I prefer Italian sausage or smoked Cajun andouille sausage, those are the best. You can use ground sausage if you wish and you can even substitute it for ground beef.

What Type of Pot to Use

I’m a huge fan of making this a one-pot recipe. I go for this 7-quart Dutch oven. It’s large enough to cook the pasta in and it can withhold higher heat for sauteeing the vegetables and chicken. If you want to make this using one pot, grab one that’s large enough and retains heat well.

If you use a smaller pot, the pasta has less water to cook in. This results in a higher amount of starch in the pot, which will cause your pasta will to come out sticky after you drain the water. To be safe, always go for a big pot, even if you’re only cooking a small amount of pasta. You can read about more Common Mistakes When Cooking Pasta here.

How to Make Spaghetti and Sausage

1. Cook the spaghetti in accordance with the instructions on the package.
2. Place a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break down the beef with a meat chopper. Add in the sausage pieces and season the meat.
3. Cook until fully cooked through. Add in onions, green peppers, red peppers, and garlic. Saute.
4. Add in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and wine. Stir.
5. Fold in the cooked spaghetti and stir.
6. Simmer.

Homemade Marinara vs Store Bought Sauce

You can use any of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe. I like to make my own because it’s really simple to do. Here are the key ingredients:

• Crushed Tomatoes
• Dry White Wine (I use Pinto Grigio)
• Basil
• Oregano
• Bay Leaf
• Italian Seasoning
• Onions
• Garlic

Additional Toppings and Substitution Ideas

• Crumbled Bacon
• Shrimp
• Fresh Grated Parmesan
• Crushed Red Pepper
• Cajun Seasoning
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Black Olives

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly sealed for 3-4 days. I reheat in the microwave. It will maintain its consistency and flavor if eaten within 3-4 days. It often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have gotten a chance to really sink in.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the dish tightly covered and sealed up to 2 months. With pasta, the faster you eat it after freezing, the better the texture and consistency.

Pair With These Recipes

Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Green Bean Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
Broccoli Salad

More Pasta Recipes

Chicken Spaghetti
Spaghetti Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Seafood Stuffed Shells
Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta