Sausage Spaghetti with Creamy Marinara Sauce

This Sausage Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful dish, featuring juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, creamy marinara sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening meal, this dish is sure to satisfy all your pasta cravings.

Ingredients

For the Sausage:

• 1 lb. Italian sausage links (hot or sweet)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup dry red wine (see notes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (½ red, ½ green)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey (to balance acidity)
• ¾ teaspoon each: dried oregano, basil, mustard powder
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ chicken bouillon cube
• 32 oz. marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 2 cups packed baby spinach

For the Pasta:

• ¾ lb. spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the casings from the sausage and cut it into ¾-inch slices. If desired, you can roll the sausage into smooth meatballs. In a large skillet (at least 3.5 quarts), heat 6 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Add the sausage and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to brown the sausage, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
2. Boil the Pasta: While preparing the sauce, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain once cooked.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the red wine and cook over medium heat, using a silicone spatula to deglaze the bottom and sides of the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Cook the Vegetables: Add the butter, diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
5. Add the Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, honey, dried oregano, basil, mustard powder, diced tomatoes, chicken bouillon, and marinara sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently, partially covered, while the pasta finishes cooking.
6. Combine Cream Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the cream cheese and spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cream cheese to melt into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and stir to combine, adjusting the sauce-to-pasta ratio to your preference. Note that the spaghetti will absorb some sauce as it sits. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a creamy marinara sauce creates an irresistible, comforting meal.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of time, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Creamy and Rich: The addition of cream cheese makes the sauce silky and smooth, elevating the traditional marinara flavor.

Tips

• Sausage Choices: Choose either hot or sweet Italian sausage based on your spice preference. You can also use ground sausage for a different texture.
• Simmer the Sauce Longer: For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer while you prepare other components. The more it simmers, the richer the taste.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can be substituted for dried herbs for a burst of fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or another pasta alternative for a gluten-free meal.
• Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese or a bit of heavy cream to the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While spaghetti works best for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sausage ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. Reheat and add the pasta just before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store the sauce separately from the pasta, and reheat when ready to serve.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is the perfect complement to this rich and hearty pasta dish.
• Add a Side Salad: Serve with a light, fresh salad (like Caesar or mixed greens) to balance out the meal.
• Pair with Wine: A glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and creamy sauce.

Enjoy this Sausage Spaghetti for a delicious and satisfying meal your whole family will love!