Critical parents spaghetti recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• ¼ cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
• ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 pound ground sweet Italian sausage
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (17.6-ounce) carton crushed tomatoes
• 1½ tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the sausage and continue to sauté until browned, 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and stir, being careful not to burn it (reduce the heat to low, if needed).
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the brown sugar, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and ground nutmeg, and stir.
6. Reduce the heat to low (if you didn’t when adding the garlic), and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, and stir to incorporate.
7. Add the drained and cooled spaghetti, and toss with tongs to coat completely with the sauce.
8. Use the tongs to serve. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving, if desired.