20 minute dinners: Speedy Sausage Ragu

Speedy Sausage Ragu (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Perfect for busy weeknights and hungry families — simple, hearty, and full of flavour.

Looking for a quick and comforting dinner the whole family will love? This Speedy Sausage Ragu is a go-to weeknight winner. Packed with rich tomato flavour, herby sausage, and ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the kind of fuss-free meal that makes dinner time feel easy again. Bonus? It all comes together with mostly pantry staples and minimal prep — ideal for busy parents and weeknight chaos.

Whether you’re feeding little mouths or just craving a hearty pasta fix, this dish delivers. It's one of my favourites to whip up after a long day when energy is low, but the need for something delicious is high! The key is in the Herby/basil tomatoes.

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What You’ll Need (Serves 4):

• 6 sausages of your choice (I recommend Lincolnshire or Cumberland for extra flavour)
• 1 shallot, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 500ml carton of herb or basil passata
• 300g pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Parmesan, to serve

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How to Make It:

1. Get things heating:
   Fill a large saucepan with water and bring it to the boil for your pasta. Meanwhile, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.

2. Cook the sausage:
   Remove the sausage from their skins and break them up straight into the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it browns.

3. Add aromatics:
   Once the sausage is nicely browned, stir in the finely diced shallot and grated garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

4. Boil the pasta:
   Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook according to packet instructions.

5. Make the sauce:
   Turn the heat down slightly and pour in the chopped tomatoes and herb passata. Stir well and let it simmer while your pasta finishes cooking.

6. Season to taste:
   Taste your ragu and season with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Bring it all together:
   Drain the pasta (reserving a little pasta water if you like your sauce a bit looser) and stir it through the ragu until every piece is coated.

8. Serve:
   Dish up and top generously with grated Parmesan. Add a side salad or garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Minimal washing up
• Budget-friendly, with everyday ingredients
• Full of flavour in under 20 minutes
• Kid-approved and endlessly customisable

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Make it Your Own:

• Swap in chicken or veggie sausages for a lighter twist
• Add a handful of spinach or frozen peas at the end for extra greens
• Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone for a silky, creamy finish

And there you have it — a hearty, flavour-packed Speedy Sausage Ragu that proves quick dinners can still feel special.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just need a comforting bowl of pasta after a long day, this recipe is here to save your weeknights. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavour — that’s what seasoned and settled is all about.

Tried it? I’d love to see your version — tag me over on TikTok or Instagram and use #seasonedandsettled so I can see your creations.