Italian Sausage in Red Sauce
Savor the comforting flavors of Italy with this irresistible Italian Sausage in Red Sauce recipe. Tender, juicy sausage links are browned to perfection and then simmered in a rich and aromatic tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and a medley of classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes offers a subtle kick, while a touch of sugar balances the tangy crushed tomatoes for a perfectly layered flavor profile. Ready in just under an hour, this hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it over pasta, creamy polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory, slow-cooked sauce. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that brings authentic Italian comfort food right to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 links Italian sausages
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausages to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the sausages and set them aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth (or water). Mix well to combine.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to meld all the flavors together.
Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook the sausages and sauce for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and the sauce has thickened.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh Italian parsley before serving, if desired.
Serve the Italian sausages in red sauce hot over pasta, polenta, or alongside crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
463 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.5 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 61 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 1334 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.6 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.7 g | ||
| Protein | 22.0 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1003 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
