Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti
A robust pasta dish featuring smoky sausage and fresh tomatoes simmered into a rich, aromatic sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, smoked Italian sausage, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz smoked Italian sausage
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts (3.8L) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 2 tsp salt, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz smoked Italian sausage (casing removed), breaking into small pieces, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add 1 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with drained spaghetti until coated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoked Tomato and Sausage Spaghetti?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.