Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Delight

My kitchen recently discovered these mouthwatering garlic butter sausage bites that transform an ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure.

Sizzling herbs and spices dance around perfectly browned meat morsels.

Rich parmesan creates a luxurious coating that hugs each pasta strand.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising comfort in every forkful.

Weeknight dinners need simple yet spectacular recipes like this one.

Quick preparation means minimal effort with maximum flavor impact.

Come experience a meal that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite Italian restaurant.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with Italian, bratwurst, or chicken sausage for variety.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to increase heat.

  • What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can replace with Romano cheese or use a blend of other hard cheeses like Asiago.

  • How do I prevent the pasta sauce from becoming too thick?

Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin the sauce and achieve desired consistency.

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta For Cozy Nights In

  • Speedy Meal Solution: Whip up a delicious dinner in minimal time with simple ingredients and quick cooking steps that keep hunger at bay.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combines rich garlic butter sausage with creamy Parmesan pasta for a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for sausage and sauce, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights and lazy cooking moments.
  • Kid and Adult Friendly: Offers universally appealing flavors that both children and adults will love, with customizable spice levels and easy-to-eat bite-sized sausage pieces.

All Ingredients Needed For Sausage Pasta Bliss

Proteins:
  • Sausage: Sliced meat that provides a hearty and flavorful base for the dish.
Main Carbohydrates:
  • Pasta: Classic base that absorbs the creamy Parmesan sauce and complements the sausage.
Flavor Enhancers and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Garlic, Garlic Powder: Aromatic ingredients that create a rich and savory flavor profile.
  • Cream: Provides a smooth and luxurious texture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty element that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Cooking Oils and Seasonings:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps brown the sausage and prevent sticking.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that boost the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Easy Steps For Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sear Savory Sausage

Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat.

Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy on each side.

Once perfectly seared, transfer sausages to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Aromatic Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and sauté quickly until it releases its wonderful aroma.

Return sausage pieces to the skillet and sprinkle with Italian herbs, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.

Step 3: Boil Perfect Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite.

Before draining, carefully scoop out and reserve some pasta water for the sauce.

Step 4: Create Silky Parmesan Sauce

In a clean saucepan, melt butter and pour in heavy cream.

Whisk in:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried parsley

Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Gently fold pasta into the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the perfect consistency.

Top with the golden sausage bites and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips For Creamy Garlic Sausage Pasta Every Time

  • Pat sausage dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
  • Adjust garlic amount based on personal preference, using fresh minced garlic for a more robust taste or roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter profile.
  • Always save pasta water as it contains starchy goodness that helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every pasta strand beautifully.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while whisking to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
  • Slice sausages in advance and store in refrigerator to cut down cooking time during busy weeknights.

Fun Sausage Pasta Variations Worth Trying Soon

  • Vegetarian Sausage Swap: Replace meat sausage with plant-based sausage links or crumbled tofu sausage for a meat-free protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta Path: Use gluten-free pasta like rice, chickpea, or quinoa noodles to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly sauce.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a zesty flavor profile that brings extra heat to the dish.

Serving Garlic Sausage Parmesan Pasta For Family Dinners

  • Cozy Dinner Party Delight: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Hearty Comfort Plating: Arrange sausage bites artfully over creamy pasta in shallow bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Match the rich, garlicky flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to elevate the entire meal experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning-friendly dish by topping the pasta and sausage with a sunny-side-up egg for extra protein.

Storing Garlic Sausage Parmesan Pasta For Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Transfer cooled pasta and sausage to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from container.
  • Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of pasta water or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until temperature reaches 165°F.
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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

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

Description

Garlic butter sausage bites dance with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort dish. Savory sausage and silky pasta create a perfect meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) smoked or Italian sausage, sliced bite-sized

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Fats and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces and sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, creating a golden-brown exterior. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Reintroduce sausage to the pan and sprinkle with selected seasonings, ensuring even coating.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining, carefully extract and reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water.
  4. Create the creamy Parmesan sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan. Incorporate heavy cream and garlic powder, whisking continuously. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  5. Gently fold the pasta into the prepared sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Artfully arrange the seasoned sausage bites on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh herbs or additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality sausage with robust flavors like Italian or spicy chorizo for maximum taste impact.
  • Toast garlic gently to prevent burning and release its sweet, nutty undertones without becoming bitter.
  • Keep pasta water starchy and salty, which helps sauce cling better and adds depth to the overall dish.
  • Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini noodles for low-carb dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 622 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 47 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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