Italian Sausage Spaghetti

This isn’t your average spaghetti sauce. Rich sausage meat simmers with canned tomatoes until it turns into a thick meat sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti noodles.

The nutty flavor of the ancient grain einkorn spaghetti adds something extra you don’t get from regular noodles, and it’s one of those dinners that makes great leftovers for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of meal the entire family looks forward to sitting down to.

What Makes This Einkorn Spaghetti Different:

I chose Grand Teton Ancient Grains Einkorn Spaghetti for this recipe because it stands out from most pasta at the store. Their einkorn is grown on their family farm in Teton, Idaho using regenerative practices and is stone-milled right on site. It’s Certified 100% USDA Organic, Non-GMO, and Kosher.

What makes this spaghetti especially good for a hearty sauce like this is how it’s made. It’s bronze-cut using traditional dies, which gives the noodles a slightly rough surface. That texture helps the thick sausage sauce cling to every strand instead of sliding off.

Einkorn has a naturally nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with rich tomato and Italian sausage. The sauce cooks down thick and meaty, and the einkorn spaghetti holds its shape and texture under it.

Ingredient Notes:

• Italian Sausage: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Ground sausage works best, but you can also remove the casings from sausage links.
• Tomatoes: Using a combination of diced, crushed, and sauce creates the perfect thick, hearty texture for this simple tomato sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.
• Garlic Powder: You can use fresh garlic if you prefer, but garlic powder blends evenly into the sauce for balanced flavor throughout.

How to make Italian Spaghetti step-by-step:

STEP 1: In a large skillet or large saucepan over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

STEP 2: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook over medium heat until softened.

STEP 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

STEP 4: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

STEP 5: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Einkorn spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.

STEP 6: Serve the sauce over the spaghetti and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

Storage and Reheating:

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Store pasta separately if possible to prevent it from absorbing too much sauce. 

Reheating: Reheat sauce gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. 

Freezing:  Freeze sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Additions and Substitutions:

ADDITIONS:

• Vegetables: Add diced bell pepper or green pepper with the onions, or stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Cream: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier variation.
• Heat: If you didn’t use spicy italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Ground Sausage: Use ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination for a different flavor profile.
• Pasta: This sauce also works great with other Grand Teton einkorn pasta shapes like linguine or angel hair.
• Sugar: White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
• Oil: If your sausage is lean, add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan before browning.

FAQs about Italian Spaghetti Recipes:

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Yes! The sauce actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had more time to blend and develop.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? You can, but you’ll need about 6-8 cups of fresh tomatoes and will need to cook them down longer to achieve the same thick consistency.

How can I make the sauce thicker? Let it simmer longer uncovered to evaporate more liquid, or add an additional can of tomato paste.

Can I use a different shape of einkorn pasta?
Yes. This sauce works well with other einkorn pasta shapes like linguine or angel hair, though spaghetti holds up especially well with the thick sausage sauce.