Sausage spaghetti is a quick, kid-friendly meal that combines tender spaghetti noodles with savoury sausages in a simple sauce. It’s the perfect mix of protein, carbs and flavour that most kids love, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings. 

Protein is essential for growth and overall energy in children. Including protein-rich foods like sausages in a balanced meal can help kids stay fuller longer and maintain energy for school or play. If you’re after a meal that pleases picky eaters while sneaking in some nutrition, sausage spaghetti is your answer. 

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Getting kids excited about balanced meals doesn’t have to be hard. In Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, Dr Nick Fuller shares easy strategies for preparing meals like sausage spaghetti that kids love while still being nutritious.

Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and make mealtime an enjoyable, stress-free family moment.

Why Add Sausage to Spaghetti?

Adding sausage to spaghetti isn’t just about taste. Though let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it. Sausages can boost the nutritional profile, make the dish more filling, and help your little ones enjoy a meal without endless coaxing. Here’s why it works so well:

Adds extra protein

Sausages offer a good amount of protein, which growing kids need. Protein helps build muscle, keeps energy levels steadier, and helps kids stay full longer. Mixing sausage into spaghetti is an easy way to add more protein without complicating the meal.

Boosts flavour naturally

Sausages come packed with seasoning kids already love. This makes spaghetti more appealing without piling on extra sauce or salt. Research also shows that familiar, comforting flavours help kids eat more willingly, which is always a win at mealtimes.

Makes the dish more filling

Protein-rich foods like sausages are digested more slowly and help trigger the body’s natural fullness signals. Higher protein intake boosts satiety hormones, which may help kids feel satisfied for longer and reduce mid-afternoon snacking on less nutritious foods.

Reduces the need for added sauces

As sausages cook, they release flavour that elevates the whole dish. That means you can use less heavy tomato or cream sauces, which often contain added sugar and sodium. Keeping these lower in early childhood can help shape healthier long-term taste preferences.

Easy to mix with vegetables

Sausage spaghetti is a sneaky but effective way to add veggies. The savoury flavour blends well with carrots, zucchini, capsicum, or spinach, making them easier for picky eaters to accept. Research shows that pairing vegetables with familiar foods helps kids eat more of them.

Works well with different pasta types

Sausages are versatile and pair well with spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or other pasta shapes. This flexibility allows you to switch up meals to keep dinner interesting while using whatever pasta is on hand. Offering a variety of food textures and shapes may also encourage children to eat more consistently and explore different foods.

Loved by kids for its familiar taste

Kids often love sausages because they’re familiar and comforting. Mix them with pasta and you’ve got a classic combo that’s easy for picky eaters to enjoy. Recognisable foods can also help kids feel more confident trying small extras like veggies.

Quick to prepare for busy evenings

Sausage spaghetti is a lifesaver on busy nights. With only a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking, you can serve a nutritious and satisfying meal. Quick, balanced meals have been linked to better parental wellbeing and better overall family nutrition, making weeknight dinners less of a battle.

How to Make Sausage Spaghetti

A kid-friendly twist on classic spaghetti, this recipe combines tender pasta with juicy sausages and a mild, flavourful tomato sauce. Quick to make, packed with protein, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Type: High protein
Serves: 2–3 kids
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 200 g spaghetti
• 2–3 small sausages (pork, chicken, or beef), sliced or crumbled
• 1 cup tomato passata or pasta sauce
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• ½ small carrot, grated (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
• Grated cheese to serve (optional)

Recipe

1. Cook spaghetti according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
3. Add the sausages and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in the tomato passata, grated carrot and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce until well coated.
6. Serve warm, topped with grated cheese if desired.

Kid-Friendly Ways to Serve Sausage Spaghetti

You can make sausage spaghetti even more fun and versatile with these serving ideas:

With garlic bread or toast

A slice of garlic bread or buttery toast adds crunch and makes the meal feel special. Kids love dipping bread into sauce, which encourages them to finish their veggies in the spaghetti.

With steamed vegetables

Serve alongside lightly steamed broccoli, carrots or peas. This adds colour, nutrients and keeps the meal balanced.

In lunchboxes for next day

Sausage spaghetti can be enjoyed cold or reheated for lunchboxes. Kids get a filling, protein-rich lunch that’s easy to pack and tastes great even after a few hours.

As mini portions for parties

Spoon spaghetti into mini cups or small bowls for kid-friendly party snacks. The familiar flavours and portion sizes make it easy for children to serve themselves.

With a sprinkle of parmesan cheese

A light sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds flavour and calcium. It’s a simple way to enhance the dish without overwhelming young taste buds.

Final Thoughts

Sausage spaghetti is a delicious, nutritious, and quick meal that kids love. With protein-packed sausages, tasty pasta, and the option to sneak in vegetables, it’s a win for both parents and children. Easy to prepare, adaptable and satisfying, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or parties. Give it a try, and watch spaghetti night become the new family favourite.

Looking for more easy, fuss-free meals kids will enjoy? Check out our 7 Simple and Delicious Rice Dishes For Picky Eaters.

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.