Real Simple's Marinara Sauce with Sausage and Ricotta

Discover the perfect balance of comfort and flavor with Real Simple's Marinara Sauce with Sausage and Ricotta—a hearty, Italian-inspired dish that combines savory ground sausage, aromatic herbs, and rich crushed tomatoes in a luscious homemade marinara sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep and features creamy dollops of whole milk ricotta for a delightful, velvety finish. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or rigatoni, and is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley and served alongside crusty bread, this dish is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that brings a rustic touch to your table. Perfect for those seeking a flavorful meal that’s simple yet indulgent!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 pound cooked pasta (such as spaghetti or rigatoni)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the diced onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

After the sauce has simmered, taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

Step 9

Serve the marinara sauce over cooked pasta. Top each plate with a dollop of ricotta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 10

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with a slice of crusty bread!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1893.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2594.1

Total Fat 141.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 320.2mg	0%
Sodium 5942.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 213.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.8g	0%
Total Sugars 41.2g
Protein 114.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 357.8mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 3549.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.2%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 33.0%