Sausage Ragu with Pappardelle

Sausage Ragu with Pappardelle is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the rich, savory taste of Italian sausage with a comforting tomato-based sauce. The sauce is simmered to perfection with garlic, onions, and oregano, then tossed with tender pappardelle pasta. Finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is the epitome of rustic Italian comfort food. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz pappardelle pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions, then drain, reserving a small cup of pasta cooking water.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sausage ragu sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta evenly.
7. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top for a final touch of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage Ragu: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with a plant-based meat substitute, or use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian ragu.
3. Different Pasta: While pappardelle is ideal for this rich sauce, you can swap it for other types of pasta such as rigatoni, fettuccine, or penne.
4. Red Wine Addition: For a deeper, more complex flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the sausage, and let it reduce before adding the tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover sausage ragu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the ragu in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little extra chicken broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
   Yes, you can use turkey sausage for a leaner version of this dish. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but still delicious.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
   Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them before chopping, then simmer for a bit longer to break them down into a sauce consistency.
3. Can I freeze leftover sausage ragu?
   Yes, you can freeze the ragu for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container, and reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a little liquid as needed.
4. What can I serve with Sausage Ragu with Pappardelle?
   Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
5. How do I know when the ragu sauce is done?
   The ragu is ready when it has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded together. You can also check for a rich, savory aroma.
6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the sausage ragu in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
7. Can I add vegetables to the ragu sauce?
   Yes, you can add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the sauce as it simmers for extra flavor and texture.
8. Can I use another type of pasta besides pappardelle?
   Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
9. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pappardelle to make the dish gluten-free. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
10. Is this recipe spicy?
    No, this recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily add heat by using spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Conclusion

Sausage Ragu with Pappardelle is the perfect comfort food—rich, savory, and full of flavor. The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and tomato sauce creates a delicious, hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with the wide, flat pappardelle pasta. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality Italian meal at home in just 40 minutes.

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