1️⃣ Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Build the sauce
In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices. Stir in tomato paste and sugar.
4️⃣ Combine and toss
Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Add the drained spaghetti and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta finishes cooking and is coated with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
5️⃣ Finish and serve
Season with pepper and chili flakes to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions or basil, and finish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
💡 Tip
For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of cream or a knob of butter at the end for a silky finish.
