Cozy Cranberry Spaghetti: Easy & Delicious Weeknight Meal

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Introduction

Oh, friends, do you ever have those days where you just need a big, warm hug from a meal? You know, the kind that instantly transports you back to simpler times, maybe a cozy fall evening or a holiday gathering? Well, I’ve got just the recipe for you! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s as comforting as it is surprisingly delightful: Cranberry Spaghetti. This isn’t your Nonna’s Sunday sauce, but it’s got a secret ingredient that makes it incredibly special and oh-so-easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Seriously Fast: We’re talking weeknight warrior fast. You can have this on the table in under an hour!
  • Effortlessly Easy: No fancy techniques needed here. Just simple steps and delicious results.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Imagine delivering a warm container of this to a friend or neighbor who needs a little cheer. It’s a thoughtful homemade treat!
  • Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and savory combination is a total hit with both kids and adults. Get ready for empty plates!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, right? Let’s see what we need:

  • 2 pounds ground chuck: This is our hearty base, giving the sauce that satisfying meaty flavor.
  • 1 pound mild country sausage: The subtle savory notes from this sausage are a game-changer.
  • 2 pounds angel hair pasta, cooked: The delicate strands of angel hair pasta are perfect for clinging to this unique sauce. Make sure it’s cooked al dente!
  • 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: For a creamy, dreamy finish that balances the richness.
  • 3 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty hug for our creamy ricotta.
  • 3 (12-ounce) jars mushroom spaghetti sauce: We’re using this as our flavor foundation. The mushroom adds a nice depth.
  • 1 can jellied cranberry sauce: The star of the show! Don’t be shy, this is where the magic happens.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic truly happens. Grab your apron and let’s create some deliciousness!

  1. Brown the Meats:

    In a large skillet or a big pot (whatever works best for you!), heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground chuck and country sausage. Grab a spoon and get to breaking it all up as it cooks. You want it all nicely browned. Once it’s done, carefully drain off any extra grease. We want flavor, not oiliness!

  2. Simmer the Sauce:

    Now, pour in those three jars of mushroom spaghetti sauce. And here comes the exciting part – add your can of jellied cranberry sauce! Give it all a good stir to combine. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, stirring every so often. This lets all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

  3. Prepare the Pasta Mixture:

    While your sauce is simmering away, let’s get the pasta ready. In a separate bowl, combine your cooked angel hair pasta. Add the creamy ricotta cheese and sprinkle in that finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Give it a gentle toss – you don’t want to mush the pasta, just coat it.

  4. Combine and Serve:

    Here’s the grand finale! Gently add your pasta mixture into the pot with the simmering sauce. Toss it all together with care, making sure every strand of pasta is coated in that luscious, cranberry-infused sauce. Serve it up hot, and get ready for the compliments!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous or need to make a swap, here are some ideas:

  • Pasta Power: If angel hair isn’t your favorite, feel free to use spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook it according to package directions.
  • Sausage Swap: No country sausage? Try mild Italian sausage or even just extra ground chuck.
  • Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
  • Veggie Boost: Sautéed mushrooms or onions can be added with the meats for extra flavor and texture.
  • Cranberry Zing: If you prefer a less sweet cranberry flavor, you could use fresh or frozen cranberries cooked down slightly with a touch of sugar, though the jellied sauce gives that classic smooth texture.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks up my sleeve to make this recipe even more foolproof:

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Angel hair cooks very quickly. Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the warm sauce.
  • Drain the Grease Well: This is important for a cleaner flavor profile.
  • Gentle Tossing: Be kind to your angel hair pasta when combining it with the sauce. You want lovely strands, not a mushy mess.
  • Prep Ahead: You can cook the meats and make the sauce mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, just reheat the sauce, cook your pasta, and combine when you’re ready to eat.

How to Store It

Leftovers are a good thing! This Cranberry Spaghetti is wonderfully forgiving.

  • In the Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is the cranberry flavor very strong?

The jellied cranberry sauce adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful depth that complements the savory meats and sauce. It’s not overwhelmingly cranberry-like, but rather a unique flavor enhancer.

Can I make this vegetarian?

While this recipe is meat-centric, you could try a vegetarian meat substitute and a vegetarian mushroom sauce, then follow the same steps. The cranberry will still add a lovely twist!

Can I freeze Cranberry Spaghetti?

It’s not the ideal candidate for freezing because the angel hair pasta can get a bit mushy upon thawing. However, if you absolutely must, cool and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat very gently on the stovetop.

Cozy Cranberry Spaghetti

A comforting and surprisingly delightful dish that combines savory meats with the unique sweetness of cranberry sauce, served over delicate angel hair pasta. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a thoughtful homemade gift.
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Cook Time 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Separate bowl

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 1 pound mild country sausage
  • 2 pounds angel hair pasta, cooked cooked al dente
  • 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 3 ounces finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 (12-ounce) jars mushroom spaghetti sauce
  • 1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Instructions
 

  • Brown the meats: In a large skillet or a big pot, heat over medium-high heat. Toss in ground chuck and country sausage. Break it up as it cooks until nicely browned. Drain off extra grease.
    2 pounds ground chuck
  • Simmer the sauce: Pour in the mushroom spaghetti sauce and the jellied cranberry sauce. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then turn heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    2 pounds ground chuck
  • Prepare the pasta mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cooked angel hair pasta, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat.
    2 pounds ground chuck
  • Combine and Serve: Gently add the pasta mixture to the pot with the sauce. Toss to coat all pasta strands. Serve hot.
    2 pounds ground chuck

Notes

This recipe is fast, easy, and great for gifting or pleasing a crowd. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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