Camp David Spaghetti with Italian Sausage: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Camp David Spaghetti with Italian Sausage is a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly simple dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. This recipe takes the classic comfort of spaghetti and elevates it with the richness of Italian sausage and a vibrant tomato sauce. The name ‘Camp David’ is somewhat of a mystery, with various origins attributed to the dish, but the deliciousness is undeniable. This version focuses on ease of preparation without sacrificing flavor, making it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

## What Makes Camp David Spaghetti Special?

Several factors contribute to the appeal of Camp David Spaghetti:

* **Flavorful Sausage:** Italian sausage, with its blend of herbs and spices, is the star of the show. Using both sweet and hot Italian sausage adds depth and complexity to the dish.
* **Rich Tomato Sauce:** A well-developed tomato sauce forms the base of the spaghetti. Using a combination of canned crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates a layered flavor profile.
* **Simple Ingredients:** Despite its deliciousness, Camp David Spaghetti relies on readily available ingredients, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
* **Easy Preparation:** The recipe is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Versatility:** The recipe is easily adaptable to your personal preferences. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to customize the flavor and nutritional content.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or mild, and hot – or all of one kind depending on preference)**: Look for high-quality Italian sausage with a good fat content. This will contribute to the overall flavor and richness of the sauce. Remove the sausage from its casings.
* **1 large onion, chopped**: Onions form the aromatic base of the sauce. Yellow or white onions work well.
* **2-3 cloves garlic, minced**: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
* **1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes**: Crushed tomatoes provide the main body of the sauce. Look for a brand that you trust.
* **1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce**: Tomato sauce adds a smoother texture and enhances the tomato flavor.
* **1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste**: Tomato paste concentrates the tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano**: Oregano is a classic Italian herb that adds a warm and slightly peppery flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried basil**: Basil is another essential Italian herb that adds a sweet and aromatic flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)**: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)**: Red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Use a dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
* **1 pound spaghetti**: Use your favorite brand of spaghetti. You can also substitute other pasta shapes like linguine or penne.
* **Salt and black pepper to taste**: Season the sauce and pasta with salt and black pepper to your liking.
* **Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving**: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
* **Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional)**: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make delicious Camp David Spaghetti with Italian Sausage:

**1. Prepare the Sausage:**

* Remove the Italian sausage from its casings. This can be done by slicing the casing lengthwise with a sharp knife and peeling it off. Discard the casings.
* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and is slightly crispy.
* Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**3. Build the Sauce:**

* If using, pour in the dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This will add extra flavor to the sauce.
* Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
* Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

**4. Cook the Spaghetti:**

* While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Be sure to salt the cooking water well.
* Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.

**5. Combine and Serve:**

* Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
* Serve the Camp David Spaghetti immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using).

## Tips for the Best Camp David Spaghetti

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose good-quality Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, and herbs.
* **Don’t skimp on the simmering time:** Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop a richer, more complex flavor. If you have time, simmer the sauce for even longer.
* **Taste and adjust seasoning:** Be sure to taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
* **Reserve pasta cooking water:** The starchy pasta cooking water helps to bind the sauce to the spaghetti and creates a creamier texture. Don’t discard it!
* **Cook the spaghetti al dente:** Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian. The spaghetti should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** If you’re making a large batch of Camp David Spaghetti, it’s best to cook the sausage in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent the sausage from browning properly.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the sauce. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach all work well.
* **Spice it up:** If you like a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free spaghetti.

## Variations and Additions

Camp David Spaghetti is a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:

* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté diced bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach along with the sausage for added flavor and nutrition.
* **Spice It Up:** Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Stir in fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or oregano at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Creamy Sauce:** Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
* **Meatballs:** Add cooked meatballs to the sauce for a heartier meal.
* **Different Sausage:** Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage or chorizo.
* **Cheese:** Add other types of cheese to the sauce, such as mozzarella, ricotta, or provolone.
* **Olives:** Add sliced black olives or Kalamata olives for a salty and briny flavor.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Add sun-dried tomatoes for a chewy texture and intense tomato flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Camp David Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a side dish or two. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
* **Vegetables:** Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
* **Wine:** Pair with a dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.
* **Dessert:** Finish the meal with a simple dessert like tiramisu or cannoli.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Camp David Spaghetti can be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make it ahead:

* **Make the sauce:** The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce before adding the spaghetti.
* **Cook the spaghetti:** The spaghetti can be cooked up to 1 day ahead of time. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the spaghetti before adding it to the sauce.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover Camp David Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?**

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of Italian sausage. However, the flavor will be different. If using ground beef, you may want to add some Italian seasoning to the sauce to enhance the flavor.
* **Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?**

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. You will need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Peel, seed, and chop the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. You may also need to add a little tomato paste to thicken the sauce.
* **Can I freeze Camp David Spaghetti?**

Yes, Camp David Spaghetti can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?**

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook the spaghetti separately and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
* **What kind of wine should I use?**

Use a dry red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot. You can also use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
* **Is this recipe gluten-free?**

No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it uses spaghetti made from wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti.
* **Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?**

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this recipe. Some good options include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
* **How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?**

To prevent the spaghetti from sticking together, be sure to salt the cooking water well and cook the spaghetti al dente. After draining the spaghetti, toss it with a little olive oil.

## Camp David Spaghetti Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or mild, and hot – or all of one kind depending on preference), removed from casings
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1/4 cup dry red wine (optional)
* 1 pound spaghetti
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional)

### Equipment:

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Large pot
* Colander

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Sausage:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. **Build the Sauce:** If using, pour in the dry red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. **Cook the Spaghetti:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if using).

Enjoy your delicious Camp David Spaghetti with Italian Sausage! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.