Spaghetti with sausage and tomato sauce

Spaghetti with Sausages and Tomato Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Welcome to your kitchen! Today, I will present you with a simple and tasty recipe for spaghetti with sausages and tomato sauce, a perfect combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is ideal for a quick dinner, but also to impress friends at a festive meal. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 200 g spaghetti
- 1 piece of homemade, dry, and spicy sausage
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 can of tomatoes in their own juice (approximately 400 g)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- Chili flakes (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 6 pieces of natural cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by slicing the sausages into thin rounds. Peel the garlic and cut it in half. It is important to use quality sausages to achieve an intense flavor. Choose a spicy sausage, which will add extra flavor to the dish.

2. Sautéing the garlic: In a large skillet, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the halved garlic cloves and sauté them gently, being careful not to burn them, as the bitter taste of burnt garlic can ruin the dish.

3. Making the sauce: Once the garlic starts to release its aroma, remove it from the skillet and add the sausage rounds. Sauté the sausages until they become slightly crispy and release their fat. Then, add the tomatoes in their own juice and mix well. Now is the time to add the teaspoon of sugar, which will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the sauce's flavor.

4. Seasoning the sauce: Season the tomato sauce with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Also, add the basil leaves, washed well and torn into smaller pieces. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

5. Cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt (about 1-2 tablespoons). When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8-10 minutes). Taste the pasta to ensure it is al dente, meaning cooked but still slightly firm in the center.

6. Finishing the dish: When the pasta is ready, drain it well and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Place the pasta in the skillet with the tomato sauce and sausages and mix well to coat evenly. If you want a creamier sauce, add the 6 pieces of natural cream cheese at the end.

7. Serving: Serve the spaghetti hot, sprinkled with extra fresh basil and, if you like, grated Parmesan on top. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Practical tips:
- For a richer sauce, you can also add some green or black olives.
- Substitute the sausages with a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- If you like a spicy sauce, feel free to add some fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce.

Nutritional benefits: This spaghetti with sausages recipe provides a good source of protein from the sausages, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Basil adds not only flavor but also antibacterial benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat pasta? Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add extra fiber and nutrients.
- What can I do with leftovers? The spaghetti can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a little water to prevent it from drying out.
- How can I diversify the recipe? You can add feta cheese or mozzarella for a more intense flavor or experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme.

This spaghetti with sausages and tomato sauce recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It will surely become a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy your meal!