Sweet Italian Sausage With Red Gravy and Pasta

The aroma of simmering tomato and basil always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Sunday, that intoxicating scent would fill her small house, a promise of the hearty, comforting meal that awaited. While her gravy was always a closely guarded family secret, this recipe, with its sweet Italian sausage and generous dose of basil, captures the essence of those cherished memories. It’s a dish that warms the soul and brings people together around the table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Dietary Type: Not specified, but can be modified to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 (19 1/2 ounce) packages sweet Italian turkey sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 (46 ounce) can tomato juice
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (6 ounce) cans water
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes with onion garlic and basil
• 1/2 cup sugar (may need as much as 1 cup to sweeten the gravy appropriately)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash pepper
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) box thin whole wheat spaghetti

Equipment Needed

• Skillet
• Large pot (6 qt or larger, ideally an 8 qt stock pot)
• Pasta pot
• Colander

Instructions

1. Begin by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, dice the onion and celery.
2. Sauté the diced onion and celery in the heated skillet until the onions turn clear. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once softened, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. In a large pot (a 6-quart or larger pot works best; an 8-quart stock pot is ideal), combine the tomato juice, tomato paste, water, diced tomatoes with onion, garlic, and basil, the sautéed onion and celery, sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat the gravy mixture over medium-low heat until it reaches a boil. It shouldn’t be necessary to increase the heat above medium to achieve a gentle boil.
5. Once the gravy is boiling, add the sweet Italian turkey sausages to the pot. Reduce heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the sausages.
6. While the gravy simmers, prepare the thin whole wheat spaghetti according to the package directions in a separate pot.
7. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it thoroughly using a colander.
8. Spoon a small amount of the gravy over the drained pasta in the pasta pot and stir gently to lightly coat the pasta. This helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
9. To serve, place roughly a cup of pasta on each plate, top with one sausage, and ladle about 3/4 cup of the gravy over the sausage and pasta.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the gravy as it simmers. The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference. Start with the 1/2 cup, and add more in small increments, up to 1 cup total, until the gravy reaches your desired level of sweetness. Remember, the sweetness is crucial to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Sausage Browning: For added flavor and visual appeal, you can lightly brown the sausages in a separate pan before adding them to the gravy. This step isn’t essential, but it does enhance the overall taste.
• Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering gravy during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herb quantities to your liking. Fresh basil is a wonderful addition, added towards the end of the cooking time.
• Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Sweet Italian Sausage with Red Gravy and Pasta is best served hot, immediately after cooking. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant presentation.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the gravy and sausages in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. The pasta can be reheated separately in the microwave or by tossing it with a little olive oil and warming it in a skillet.

For longer storage, the gravy (without the pasta) can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	423.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	105 g	25%
Total Fat	11.8 g	18%
Saturated Fat	4.1 g	20%
Cholesterol	57.9 mg	19%
Sodium	1887.7 mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate	59.5 g	19%
Dietary Fiber	3.4 g	13%
Sugars	22.9 g	91%
Protein	25.2 g	50%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Spicier Sausage: Substitute sweet Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian: Replace the sausage with vegetarian Italian sausage alternatives. You may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
• Fresh Tomatoes: In summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Simply peel, seed, and chop the tomatoes before adding them to the gravy. You may need to adjust cooking time to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes?
A: Yes, you can substitute canned crushed tomatoes for the diced tomatoes. This will result in a smoother gravy texture.

Q: How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A: Toss the drained pasta with a small amount of the gravy or olive oil immediately after draining. This helps to coat the pasta and prevent it from clumping.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I add vegetables other than onion and celery?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the gravy for added flavor and nutrients. Add them with the onion and celery and sauté until softened.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium content of this recipe?
A: Use low-sodium tomato juice and tomato paste. Also, reduce or omit the added salt, and be mindful of the sodium content of the sausage you choose. You can also enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Italian Sausage with Red Gravy and Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and adjustments to suit your taste preferences. And most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delicious meal with loved ones. Buon appetito!