Name: Sweet Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb sweet Italian sausage (casings removed if using links); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large carrot, finely grated (optional, for sweetness and depth); 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency); 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); 1–2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving; 1 lb spaghetti

Instructions

Cook the sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics. In the same pan, cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and grated carrot (if using) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Combine. Return the sausage to the pan. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Add the basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and sugar (if needed). Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
Finish. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Cook the pasta. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Serve. Toss the spaghetti with the sauce, or spoon the sauce over individual servings. Top with grated Parmesan and more parsley if you like.