Zeke's Spaghetti Recipe

Prep: Finely dice the yellow onion. Core and thinly slice the green and red bell peppers into 1/4-inch strips. Mince the garlic cloves.

Heat a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. When oil shimmers, add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent and beginning to soften.

Add the sliced peppers and continue to cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers are softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds more until fragrant (do not burn).

While the aromatics cook, slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch rounds if not already sliced.

Push the softened vegetables to one side of the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Add the smoked sausage slices in a single layer to the cleared side. Let them sear 1–2 minutes per side to develop color, then stir together with the peppers and onions.

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the chopped fresh plum tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine with the sausage and vegetables.

Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons tomato paste to the pan to deepen tomato flavor. Mix well to dissolve paste.

Pour in 1 cup stock and 1 tablespoon red wine (if using). Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to desired heat), 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, partially cover the pan, and let simmer 12–15 minutes to meld flavors. Stir occasionally and taste; adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

If sauce thickens too much, add up to 1/4 cup extra stock or water to reach desired consistency.

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt for the pasta water. Add 12 ounces spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.

Add the drained spaghetti directly to the pan with Zeke's sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time as needed to help the sauce coat the noodles and to loosen the mixture. Cook together 1–2 minutes so pasta absorbs some sauce.

Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon torn fresh basil. Toss until cheese melts into the sauce and creates a glossy coating. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.