Italian Sausage in Tomato Sauce
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this hearty Italian Sausage in Tomato Sauce recipe! Juicy, browned Italian sausages are simmered to perfection in a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. A touch of tomato paste adds depth, while a pinch of red pepper flakes lends subtle heat, making this dish both bold and well-balanced. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Serve these sausages and their savory sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for an irresistible meal that’s sure to please. Whether you're a fan of Italian classics or simply craving a satisfying comfort dish, this recipe is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 links Italian sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic cloves
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
Place the Italian sausage links in the pan and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside. (They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the diced onion. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly. This will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the onions, garlic, and tomato paste.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices into the sauce.
Return the partially cooked sausages to the pan, nestling them into the tomato sauce.
Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are fully cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve the Italian sausages and tomato sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
542 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.6 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 1716 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.3 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.4 g | ||
| Protein | 25.9 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 936 mg | 20% | |
*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.
