Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti that combines the rich, savory goodness of Italian sausage with the fresh, tender crunch of zucchini - a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. This mouthwatering recipe is not just a meal, it's a journey through the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine that will transport you straight to a charming trattoria in Rome. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this spaghetti dish promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Sausage
- Zucchini
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: spaghetti, sausage, zucchini, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Ensure that you have everything ready before you start cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water to season the spaghetti as it cooks.
- While the water is heating, prepare the zucchini. Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then slice it into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Next, take the sausage out of its casing. If you're using links, simply cut them open and remove the meat. Break the sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sausage pieces to the skillet.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to break up any larger pieces as they cook.
- As the sausage cooks, peel and finely chop 2-3 cloves of garlic. Once the sausage is browned, add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Now, add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta as you want the starch to help the sauce adhere.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sausage and zucchini. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to help create a sauce. Adjust the amount of water based on your desired consistency.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if you like, and enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh Italian sausage and firm zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside.
- Don't overcook the zucchini - you want it tender but still maintaining a slight crispness for the best mouthfeel.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh - the difference in flavor compared to pre-grated cheese is remarkable.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end.
- If you want to make this dish lighter, you can use turkey sausage or remove the sausage casing for better portion control.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 837kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 97mg
