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Homemade Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Olives photo

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage and Olives

A savory, slightly briny pasta with Italian sausage, anchovies, olives and capers in a simple tomato sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets anchovy fillets drained, chopped; plus 1 tablespoon oil from can
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or chorizo raw, casing removed
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes with added puree 1 can
  • 1 cup pitted green olives halved
  • 1/4 cup capers drained
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

Equipment

  • large deep skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat the 1 tablespoon oil reserved from the anchovy can in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the removed-casing Italian sausage (or chorizo) and break it up with a spoon; cook, stirring often, until beginning to brown and crisp, about 7–10 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped anchovy fillets and chopped garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, halved green olives, drained capers, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper only if needed, since the anchovies, olives, and capers add significant saltiness.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until just tender but still firm to the bite according to package directions.
  7. Drain the pasta, divide among plates, and top with the sausage and olive tomato sauce.
  8. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Taste the sauce before adding salt because anchovies, olives, and capers are salty.
  • Use either Italian sausage or chorizo depending on preferred flavor.
  • Reserve and use the oil from the anchovy can for extra flavor.