Sashi Made A Recipe: Easy Spicy Pasta Sauce with Homemade Italian Sausage

 

For the longest time, I made my own quick pasta sauces and sausage... then I got lazy. Now that I am trying to eat a little healthier, I'm reminded of how much more I enjoy my own sauces which only take a couple minutes longer to measure out the spices. If I were smarter, I would make a batch of the blends but, well, I am lazy.  😂  

For the sausage, you can use pork, chicken, or turkey with the same success. Again, it only takes a few minutes longer than opening a package of premade sausage. If possible, mix the sausage ahead of time to let the flavors meld, but it's still delicious if made right before you cook it.

I also use Palmini linguine instead of pasta for mine, but Andy still has regular pasta. Palmini is hearts of palm cut into strips. That's it! You just drain it, rinse it, then let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. It takes on the flavor of the sauce and has the look and mouthfeel of al dente pasta but without the additional refined carbs...which I save for garlic bread. 😉

Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage

• 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or pork (I used ground chicken breast)
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/4 tsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1. Mix all of the ingredients together. You can cook it right away but if you can wait at least 30 minutes or the next day, it's even better!
2. Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking up the pieces until crumbled and golden brown, 5-7 minutes. 
3. Add the ingredients for the pasta sauce below.

Makes 4 servings

On WW Blue 💙, 0 points per serving with ground chicken breast or turkey breast

Easy Spicy Pasta Sauce

• 28-29 oz can no-salt-added tomato sauce
• 15 oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 Tbsp jarred minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (more if you like it spicier)

1. In a large saucepan, mix everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes or longer if you prefer a thicker sauce. 
2. I usually let it simmer while I make my pasta.

Makes 4 servings

On WW Blue 💙, 1 point per serving