This Classic Chicago-Style Spaghetti brings the taste of the Windy City to your table! With a rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s a comforting meal.
Honestly, who can resist twirling those noodles? It’s a fun way to dig in! I love serving it with garlic bread on the side—perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti is a crowd favorite. If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting with whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist!
Italian Sausage: Italian sausage adds great flavor. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works nicely, or you can use a meat alternative like lentils for a vegetarian version.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes make this sauce easy and tasty. Feel free to use diced tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes if they’re in season.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese that melts well, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Get the Sausage Just Right?
Cooking the sausage properly is vital for a tasty dish. Start by making sure you break it into smaller pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This caramelization enhances the flavor!
- Heat your pan on medium and keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. Aim for about 7-8 minutes until browned.
- Don’t forget to drain excess grease if it seems too fatty. This keeps your sauce from becoming overly greasy.
What’s the Best Way to Simmer the Sauce?
Simmering the sauce allows all those flavors to merge beautifully. After adding your tomatoes and spices, reduce the heat to low and let it cozy up for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. It also helps the sauce thicken nicely.
- If you want a bit of a kick, add red pepper flakes to taste! You can always adjust the seasoning later.
Enjoy making this Classic Chicago-Style Spaghetti, and feel free to customize it to your taste!
Classic Chicago-Style Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Within that time, you’ll cook the spaghetti, make the flavorful sauce, and have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the garlic.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken a bit.
6. Combine with Sausage:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the chopped parsley. Stir everything together to combine.
7. Toss with Spaghetti:
In a large serving dish, combine the cooked spaghetti with the sausage tomato sauce, tossing until the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
8. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish for a few minutes to let the cheese melt slightly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Classic Chicago-Style Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a true Chicago comfort meal!
FAQ for Classic Chicago-Style Spaghetti
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the Italian sausage with a meat alternative like sautéed mushrooms or lentils. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and texture!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove before mixing it with the cooked spaghetti.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
