Description
This comforting and bold Italian sausage dinner comes together in under 40 minutes, yet tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Rich tomato sauce, aromatic garlic, and hearty ground sausage come together to create a cozy, satisfying dinner your family will ask for again and again. Perfect over pasta, rice, or as a stand-alone skillet meal with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Pasta, rice, or polenta for serving
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.
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Push sausage aside; sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Stir in tomato paste and seasonings. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Add crushed tomatoes and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
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Finish with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese.
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Serve over cooked pasta or your favorite base.
Notes
For deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or broth after browning. Use fresh herbs just before serving to maintain brightness. To make it creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a knob of butter at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American