Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together two irresistible elements: juicy, perfectly seared sausage and a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. The garlic butter sauce infuses the sausage and pasta with flavor, creating a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick and easy to make, yet packed with comforting, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile—use your favorite pasta and adjust the seasoning to your taste!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz (340g) rigatoni or pasta of your choice

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Special Tools:

Large skillet

Pasta pot

Colander

Wooden spoon

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni (or pasta of your choice) according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.

Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage bites and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and sausage are well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.

Use Different Sausage: You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy sausage for a variation in flavor.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a bit of heat.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work just as well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the sausage and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives for the cream and cheese?

Yes, you can use non-dairy cream (such as coconut cream or oat cream) and plant-based Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version of this dish.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the leftovers for up to 1 month. Just note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give it an extra spicy kick.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage if you’re short on time. Just brown it in the pan for a couple of minutes before adding it to the sauce.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy, cheesy sauce and savory sausage create the perfect combination of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

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