Holiday Spaghetti

Celebrate the festive season with a comforting plate of Holiday Spaghetti, a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any joyous gathering. This recipe combines tender al dente spaghetti with a rich and savory tomato-based sauce, infused with the bold flavors of Italian sausage, garlic, and aromatic Italian herbs. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while fresh basil and parsley bring a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Whether you opt for mild or spicy sausage, this versatile dish can be customized to suit every palate. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, Holiday Spaghetti is sure to become a staple at your family table, bringing warmth and cheer to every bite. Ready in under an hour and serving up to six, this crowd-pleasing pasta is the ultimate holiday comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 gallon water for boiling pasta
• 2 tbsp salt for pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat from the pan, if necessary.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

Add the sugar, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh basil and optional parsley just before removing the sauce from the heat.

Step 7

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the spaghetti to serving bowls or a large platter and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy your Holiday Spaghetti!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	6054.6 grams (6054.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2769

Total Fat 153.60g	197%
Saturated Fat 50.80g	254%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 360mg	120%
Sodium 19375mg	842%
Total Carbohydrate 211.20g	77%
Dietary Fiber 23.90g	85%
Total Sugars 40.90g
Protein 130.10g	260%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1010mg	78%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 3686mg	78%

*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: 50.3%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 30.7%