This Bored of Lunch slow cooker Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca is not only flavorful and delightful but also simple to make in 3 to 5 hours using pork sausages, capers, Kalamata olives, anchovies, and passata.

To make Spaghetti Puttanesca in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply brown the sausages, then combine with the other ingredients and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.

If I’m in a hurry, I make it in a saucepan with chopped tomatoes, but this slow-cooker version is such a treat.

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Bored of Lunch Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca Ingredients

• 8 low-fat pork sausages
• 1 heaped tbsp of capers
• 8 pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
• A small handful of whole green or black olives
• 1 shallot or red onion, finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, sliced
• 4 anchovy fillets from a tin, finely chopped
• 700g of passata
• 2 tbsp of tomato purée
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• ½ tsp of chilli flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• 600g of cooked spaghetti or fettuccine

How To Make Bored of Lunch Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca

1. Brown Your Sausages: Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook for 5–10 minutes until browned all over but not cooked through. Remove from heat, slice the sausages, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In your slow cooker, combine the sliced sausages, capers, chopped and whole olives, chopped shallot or red onion, sliced garlic, chopped anchovies, passata, tomato purée, fresh basil, dried oregano, and chilli flakes. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste towards the end of the cooking time.
4. Serve: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the sauce until well coated, or lay the pasta on plates and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Can Fresh Tomatoes Be Used Instead of Passata?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of passata. Chop the tomatoes finely and cook them down to break them into a sauce-like consistency, which might add a fresher taste to the dish.

Recipe Tips

• Enhance the Sausage Flavor: Cook the sausages until they’re very brown on all sides before slicing. This adds a deeper flavor to your dish.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it slightly while keeping the flavor strong.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Add more fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the end of cooking to bring a fresh taste that goes well with the rich sauce.
• Spice to Your Liking: Use fewer chili flakes for a milder sauce or add more if you like it spicy. Adjust according to your taste during cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Make it Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausages and a vegan substitute for anchovies to keep the dish vegetarian without losing the classic flavors.
• Try Other Meats: Use chicken or turkey sausages for a lighter version that still tastes great.
• Add Veggies: Put in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the sauce chunkier and add vitamins and minerals.
• Experiment with Olives: Try different kinds of olives like Niçoise or Castelvetrano to tweak the sauce’s flavor and add a new twist.

What To Serve With Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca

Serve your Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca with Cornbread, steamed broccoli, Gingered Pears, a simple cucumber salad, or sautéed spinach.

You can also pair it with roasted asparagus or a zesty arugula salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

How To Store Leftover Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta and sauce are cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.

In The Freezer:

This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the pasta’s tendency to become mushy and the sauce’s potential to separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator as suggested.

How To Reheat Leftover Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca

Reheat your leftover Sausage Spaghetti Puttanesca gently in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed.

If it seems dry, add a splash of water or extra virgin olive oil to help rehydrate the sauce.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch Chorizo and Kidney Bean Stew
• Bored of Lunch Garlic Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta