Are you tired of bland, boring noodle dishes? Do you crave a comforting meal that’s both hearty and flavorful? Look no further! This Savory Sausage and Noodles recipe will transform your weeknight dinners. We’re talking about a dish where every strand of noodle is coated in a rich, savory sauce, thanks to a secret layering technique that brings out maximum flavor. Get ready to ditch the dull and embrace a truly satisfying culinary experience!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Sausage and Noodles
This isn’t your average noodle dish. Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Incredible Flavor: The secret is in the sauce, which is built on layers of savory goodness.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights – ready in under 30 minutes!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Hearty, satisfying, and sure to please the whole family.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- No More Blandness: Say goodbye to boring noodles forever!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Savory Sausage and Noodles
This recipe is all about building a deeply flavorful sauce. We start with a base of savory sausage and then add aromatic vegetables, rich broth, and a few key seasonings to create a truly unforgettable dish. Let’s break down the essential ingredients you’ll need.
First, you’ll need the star of the show:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: Choose your favorite type of smoked sausage. Beef sausage works particularly well. Look for a sausage with a good snap and smoky flavor.
Next, we build the flavor foundation with aromatics and vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to brown the sausage and vegetables, creating a delicious fond (the browned bits on the bottom of the pan) that adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion will work perfectly here.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that pungent, aromatic flavor.
The sauce gets its richness and complexity from these key ingredients:
- 2 cups chicken broth: Use a good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes a molasses-like richness and helps to caramelize the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This enhances the smoky flavor of the sausage and adds a beautiful color to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme provides an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors!
Finally, we have the noodles and the thickening agent:
- 1 pound egg noodles, cooked according to package directions: Egg noodles are a classic choice for this dish, but feel free to use your favorite type of noodle.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This is our thickening agent.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to create a slurry with the cornstarch, preventing lumps in the sauce.
Crafting Your Savory Sausage and Noodles: Step-by-Step
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of creating a flavorful sauce. This recipe is surprisingly easy, and I’ll guide you through each step to ensure success. The most important thing is to layer the flavors, allowing each ingredient to contribute its unique character to the final dish.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates hundreds of flavorful compounds. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking the onions and garlic softens their flavor and allows them to meld together, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Deglaze the Pan: This is where the magic happens! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a spatula or wooden spoon. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add tremendous depth to the sauce. Deglazing the pan is a simple technique that makes a huge difference in the final result.
- Infuse the Sauce: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you start to build the complexity of the sauce. The balsamic vinegar adds acidity and sweetness, the brown sugar contributes richness, the smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor, and the thyme provides an earthy note.
- Simmer and Meld: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmering allows the ingredients to fully infuse the broth, creating a harmonious and balanced flavor profile. This step is essential for developing a truly delicious sauce.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: While the sauce simmers, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Make sure the water is cold to prevent the cornstarch from clumping. The slurry will be used to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Be sure to pour the slurry in slowly and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce should thicken within a minute or two.
- Combine and Heat: Add the browned sausage back into the skillet with the sauce and heat through. This allows the sausage to reabsorb some of the sauce and ensures that it’s heated through before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sausage and sauce over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Savory Sausage and Noodles!
Tips for Perfect Savory Sausage and Noodles Every Time
Want to take your Savory Sausage and Noodles to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure success every time:
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the sausage is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Make sure to get a good sear on both sides.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt and pepper are your friends!
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a much stronger and more pungent flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Control the Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
What to Serve With Savory Sausage and Noodles
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad is always a great choice to provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the noodles. You might also enjoy serving it with some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. If you are looking for a different side dish, consider Golden Rice Pilaf, its subtle flavors complement the smokiness of the sausage.
Your Savory Sausage and Noodles Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is the classic choice, you can use any type of sausage you like. Italian sausage, Andouille sausage, or even chicken sausage would all work well. Adjust the seasoning to complement the flavor of the sausage you choose.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles and ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry about that.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the cooked sausage and serving over noodles. It is best to cook the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
The sauce is too thick! What do I do?
Add a little extra chicken broth to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
The sauce is too thin! What do I do?
Whisk together another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Be careful not to add too much cornstarch, as it can make the sauce gummy.
Enjoy Your Homemade Savory Sausage and Noodles!
Congratulations! You’ve just created a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This Savory Sausage and Noodles recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a flavorful and comforting dish. So, go ahead and enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out! Share this recipe with your friends and family and spread the noodle love!
Savory Sausage and Noodles (No More Bland Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Directions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step is crucial for adding depth of flavor to the sauce!
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add the browned sausage back into the skillet with the sauce and heat through.
- Serve the sausage and sauce over the cooked egg noodles. Enjoy!