Finding delicious and easy dinner ideas for two can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when you’re looking for something satisfying, quick, and budget-friendly.
This recipe hits all those marks, delivering a hearty meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, and even better, it’s simple enough for anyone to whip up. Forget complicated techniques or long ingredient lists; we’re focusing on maximum flavor with minimal effort.
This dish is designed for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with savory sausage and classic spaghetti sauce, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and incredibly tasty. Plus, it’s one of those magical recipes that often tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Quick and Easy Sausage and Spaghetti Sauce Dinner for Two
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This recipe offers a delicious and easy dinner for two, featuring savory Italian sausage and classic spaghetti sauce. It’s designed for busy weeknights, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort and is budget-friendly. The dish is hearty, comforting, and versatile, perfect for a cozy night in or for meal prepping leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
2. 2. Saute Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Saute for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. 3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce, water or beef broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
4. 4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
5. 5. Combine and Finish: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the simmering sausage sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. 6. Serve with Cheese: Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: italian-american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: sausage, spaghetti, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, italian, quick recipe, pasta, dinner for two, budget friendly
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, perfect for couples, small families, or anyone looking for a comforting meal without the fuss. You’ll adore how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice after a long day when you’re craving something homemade but don’t have much energy to cook. It’s incredibly forgiving, meaning even beginner cooks can achieve fantastic results. The combination of savory sausage and rich spaghetti sauce creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that feels both familiar and indulgent. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, especially when served with a simple side, and its robust flavors make it a fantastic option for cooler evenings or whenever you need a comforting pick-me-up. Plus, the portion size is just right for two, with potential for delicious leftovers, making your next day’s lunch a breeze.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is straightforward, relying on common pantry staples and readily available items from your local grocery store. You won’t need any exotic spices or specialty products, which keeps both the cost and the stress down. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the robust flavors that emerge from these basic components.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or rotini)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
When it comes to the sausage, feel free to choose between mild or hot Italian sausage based on your family’s preference for spice. If you can’t find Italian sausage, a good quality ground pork seasoned with fennel, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes can work in a pinch. For the spaghetti sauce, use your favorite brand – whether it’s a classic marinara, a chunky garden vegetable, or a meat-flavored sauce, any will do. If you prefer a slightly thinner sauce or want to stretch it a bit, the addition of water or beef broth is perfect. As for the pasta, spaghetti is a classic choice, but penne, rotini, or even fettuccine would be equally delicious and hold the sauce well. Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese; it adds a wonderful salty, umami finish to the dish.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the best features of this sausage and spaghetti sauce dinner is how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
This realistic timeline includes chopping your onion and garlic, browning the sausage, simmering the sauce, and cooking the pasta. You can even shave off a few minutes by buying pre-chopped onion and minced garlic, though fresh is always best for flavor. While the sauce simmers, you can get your pasta cooking, ensuring everything is ready around the same time for a seamless dinner experience.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this delicious sausage and spaghetti sauce dinner is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal on the table in no time.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce, water or beef broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
- Combine and Finish: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the simmering sausage sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve with Cheese: Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This sausage and spaghetti sauce recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adaptations to suit different tastes and occasions.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and texture by stirring in some extra vegetables. Sliced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) would be excellent additions. For a heartier sauce, you could even finely grate carrots or zucchini into the sauce as it simmers.
- Kid-Friendly Twists: If you have picky eaters, consider using a milder Italian sausage and a smooth marinara sauce. You can also use smaller pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni, which are often more appealing to children. A sprinkle of mozzarella cheese melted on top can also make it more enticing.
- Cheesy Bake: For a baked twist, combine the cooked pasta and sauce in a baking dish, top with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce that’s incredibly comforting.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside steamed green beans or broccoli.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even the simplest recipes can have a few pitfalls. Knowing how to avoid these common mistakes will ensure your sausage and spaghetti dinner turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcooking the Sausage: Cooking the sausage at too high a heat for too long can make it dry and crumbly. Brown it over medium-high heat until just cooked through, then drain the fat quickly to prevent it from continuing to cook in its own grease.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly and can turn bitter if burned. Add it to the pan after the onions have softened and cook for only about 30-60 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
- Undercooked or Overcooked Pasta: Pasta is best when cooked to al dente. Always follow the package instructions for cooking time, but start checking a minute or two before the suggested time. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy, while undercooked pasta is hard.
- Not Draining Sausage Fat: Italian sausage can release a fair amount of fat. Draining this excess fat after browning is crucial for a less greasy, more flavorful sauce.
- Skipping the Simmer Time: While this is a quick meal, allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes is important. This step allows the flavors from the sausage, onions, garlic, and herbs to meld beautifully with the spaghetti sauce, creating a richer, more cohesive taste.
- Not Seasoning Adequately: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at the
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
