I’m always on the hunt for fast family dinners that everyone at my table (mostly!) enjoys and this Spaghetti with Sausage with green beans is a regular favorite. It’s easy for the kids to see the ingredients so there’s no need to be scared of what’s on their dinner plate, and the flavors are pleasing to both kids and adults. I love this recipe even more since it’s so easy to customize. If feta is too strong of a flavor for your kids, use crumbled goat cheese instead—or let them decide to skip the cheese all together. (I have one kiddo who goes for the feta and one who skips it and it’s all okay!) If you love spicy foods, top your plate with crushed red pepper. Not in the mood for spaghetti? Use another shape! (Or even couscous or quinoa.) Or, try broccoli or cauliflower instead of the green beans. Swap things in and out as you see fit to please your people. You can even add marinara sauce to this spaghetti recipe if you want more flavor. (You may also like Best Easy Meatball Recipes, Sausage Meatballs, Pasta with Yogurt Sauce, and Green Pasta Sauce.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at what you need to make spaghetti with sausage so you know what to have on hand or pick up from the store.
Spaghetti: Use whichever kind you like, whether traditional, gluten-free, or higher protein. Bulk mild Italian sausage: I really like the mild flavor of the 365 brand Mild Italian Chicken Sausage from Whole Foods shown in the photo above. But you can use turkey or pork sausage if you prefer. (You can use spicy Italian sausage if your family prefers that too!) You can also use link sausage and just slice or dice it. Green beans: I usually use fresh green beans in this recipe, but you can also use frozen or trade in broccoli florets or cauliflower florets. Feta cheese, squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, Parmesan cheese, or marinara sauce, optional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the straight-forward process involved in making this easy spaghetti with sausage. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full info. TIP: The pasta water adds some moisture and makes a bit of a thin sauce without making the noodles too saucy, which some kids may prefer!
Serving Suggestions
I recommend snipping the spaghetti with kitchen shears for kids so it’s easier to chew—or let them cut up their own noodles with kid-size scissors. And then let the kids weigh in on whether or not they want the feta and lemon. Giving them a little power can go a long way towards happier meal times.
Best Tips for Success
Use mild Italian sausage, bulk or links according to what you like and can find. You can use any kind of pasta you prefer. Cut up spaghetti noodles for the kids with kitchen shears. I like this with fresh green beans, but frozen will work too. Top with feta, goat cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and/or lemon as desired.
I’d love to know how your family enjoyed this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share. This post was first published July 2020.
