My Favorite Way to Make Spaghetti

When it came to upgrading this basic recipe, I thought of the way that most people make spaghetti at home. I'm assuming that it's using a pound of ground meat, a jar of pasta sauce and a pound of spaghetti. While this can produce a great result in record time, there is a better way that is even more delicious- without sacrificing the time or effort that it takes! Here is my favorite way to make spaghetti!

Recipe:

1 lb. Italian sausage (you can use any ground meat here. Italian sausage is my personal favorite)

1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes (Cento is the best! Make the splurge.)

3 tbsp. olive oil

3 cloves garlic

2-3 shallots

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Salt, to taste

1 lb. spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)

1. In a large skillet, break up and cook the sausage. Let it get some browning and crispiness over medium-high heat.

2. While the sausage is browning, mince the garlic and slice the shallots.

3. Once the sausage is crispy, remove it from the pan and pour in the olive oil.

4. To the olive oil and drippings from the sausage, add in the shallots and the garlic. Let them cook until translucent.

5. As they soften, add in the red pepper flakes to toast them along with the shallots and garlic. Once everything is softened and fragrant, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Fill the can halfway with water and add that in as well.

6. Season with salt (I'd say a good tablespoon of kosher salt, to start) and add the fresh herbs.

7. At this point, you can blend it if you have picky eaters in your house to get it all to a smooth consistency. I know that this can sometimes be the reason people go for their trusty canned sauce!

8. At whichever consistency you choose to enjoy your sauce, add back in the sausage and any juices that have acquired in the dish.

9. Put a large pot of (HEAVILY SALTED) water to boil. Once boiling, cook the pasta according to the package directions.

10. Once the pasta is al dente and you are ready to eat, combine the pasta with the sauce and serve up with some crusty bread and a fresh salad! Enjoy!