A cozy, herb-packed pasta perfect for weeknights or slow summer nights
This Basil-Sausage Spaghetti is everything a weeknight pasta should be—savory, simple to pull together, and packed with flavor. Made with ground pork, a generous handful of fresh basil, and a quick-simmered marinara cream sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that feels comforting without being heavy.
Whether you’re looking for easy nutritious recipes to add to your weekly dinner rotation or something warm and satisfying to enjoy on the patio, this dish delivers. It’s also a go-to for those easy weeknight recipes when you want a home-cooked meal without spending all night at the stove.
Ingredients
- ½ box whole wheat spaghetti (about 8 oz), cooked and drained
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Additional chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In the same pot, add the ground pork over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and season with crushed red pepper, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
3. Add Onion & Build the Sauce
Stir in the finely diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
Pour in the milk, marinara sauce, and chopped basil. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen—the longer you let it simmer, the better it gets.
5. Combine & Serve
Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Serve hot, topped with extra chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
This Basil-Sausage Spaghetti blends bold, herby sausage with creamy marinara and bright basil for a perfect balance of richness and freshness. The whole wheat pasta adds a hearty, nutty base while the milk gives the sauce a velvety finish.
It’s a simple yet elevated option for summer dinner recipes—especially when fresh basil is in abundance—and the leftovers are even better the next day.
Make It Your Own
- Use turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer leaner meat.
- Add spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost.
- Swap milk for cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
If you’re looking for a pasta night that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and no-fuss—this one’s a keeper. It’s one of those easy weeknight recipes that tastes like it took way more effort than it did.
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