Are you craving a comforting yet healthy weeknight meal? Look no further! This Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese recipe takes inspiration from the convenience and deliciousness of HelloFresh meal kits, but with the added bonus of being completely customizable to your taste. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both quick dinner ideas and surprisingly delicious. This homemade cooking adventure requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
-
Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
-
Combine and Cook: Add the cooked chicken sausage back to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
-
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
-
Serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a smoother sauce: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the sauce after it has simmered.
- Add some sweetness: A teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make it heartier: Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber. This also makes it a great healthy meal option!
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace the chicken sausage with a vegetarian alternative like lentils or mushrooms.
- Spicy Bolognese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced chili pepper to the sauce.
- Creamy Bolognese: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy meal. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving will contain approximately:
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This Chicken Sausage Spaghetti Bolognese is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home. It’s a great recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, offering a flexible and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!