Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe: Love at First Bite

Pasta nights take an unexpected turn with this marry me ditalini sausage pasta that promises pure comfort and irresistible flavor.

Tender ditalini noodles mingle with juicy, seasoned sausage in a luscious, velvety sauce that melts hearts instantly.

Each bite carries rich, robust notes that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a dish so compelling, it might just spark a proposal.

Creamy textures and bold seasonings blend seamlessly, transforming an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same after you experience this mouthwatering pasta sensation.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is ideal, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like small shells or elbow macaroni if needed.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage?

Ground beef or ground turkey can work as alternative protein options, though they’ll slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference. The amount used is generally mild and won’t overwhelm the dish.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean sausage, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Why Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Stands Out

  • Quickly Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta dish comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Savor Rich, Comforting Flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, spicy sausage, and parmesan creates a luxurious taste that feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out sausage for ground chicken or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple preparation mean less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your delicious meal with family and friends.

What You’ll Need for Marry Me Ditalini Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the creamy sauce in every bite.
  • Italian Sausage: Flavorful meat that provides a rich and hearty base for the pasta dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce that coats the pasta.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth, Olive Oil: Helps to develop depth of flavor and prevents sticking during cooking.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Adds layers of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes to the pasta dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.

Cooking Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Pasta

Step 1: Boil Delightful Ditalini

Prepare the ditalini pasta following the package guidance.

Once perfectly cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Savory Sausage

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage into tiny, delectable pieces and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown, releasing its mouthwatering aroma.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Magic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and let it dance for about a minute, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Sensation

Combine the following ingredients in the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Oregano
  • Red pepper flakes

Let the mixture simmer and bubble for 5 minutes, gradually thickening into a luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked ditalini into the creamy sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is lovingly coated with the rich, flavorful mixture.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Enhance the dish with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper, tailoring the taste to your liking.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve the pasta piping hot, ready to make everyone fall in love with this incredible meal.

Tips for Ditalini Sausage Pasta Success

  • Slightly undercook ditalini pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the sauce, preventing mushy results.
  • Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor kick or mild version for sensitive palates, ensuring meat is fully browned for deep taste.
  • Simmer sauce gently to prevent heavy cream from separating, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth, silky texture.
  • Chop parsley right before serving to maximize flavor and brightness, adding vibrant color and fresh aroma to finished dish.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from block for richer, more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded versions.

Twists for Creamy Ditalini Pasta Nights

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage or seasoned tofu for a meat-free alternative that maintains rich flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ditalini pasta made from rice or corn to accommodate wheat sensitivities while keeping the creamy sauce intact.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute ditalini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the dish's luxurious sauce.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture for lactose-intolerant individuals.

How to Serve Your Marry Me Ditalini Pasta

  • Comforting Family Dinner: Serve this hearty pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
  • Rustic Italian Feast: Pair the creamy sausage pasta with warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and add extra texture to your plate.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a smooth Pinot Noir to elevate the dining experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Twist: Top the pasta with a perfectly poached egg for an indulgent weekend brunch option that transforms this dish into a luxurious morning meal.

Storing Ditalini Sausage Pasta for Freshness

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring frequently.
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
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Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta promises pure comfort with Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Creamy, rich sauce and perfectly seasoned sausage create a romantic dinner experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Pasta and Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ditalini pasta according to package directions at al dente consistency, then drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature around 350°F, then crumble sausage into small fragments and cook until golden brown and completely rendered.
  3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing aromatics to release for approximately 45-60 seconds while stirring continuously.
  4. Pour heavy cream, chicken broth, and incorporate Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes into the sausage mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
  5. Reduce heat and let the sauce gently simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing liquid to slightly condense and develop rich flavors.
  6. Fold cooked ditalini pasta into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets thoroughly coated with the creamy sausage mixture.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to personal preference.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for vibrant color and herbal brightness, then serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
  • Choose mild Italian sausage for a less spicy option, perfect for those who prefer gentle flavor profiles.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, use alternative pasta like chickpea or rice ditalini to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 660 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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