If you’re looking for a meal that’s as cozy as it is mouthwatering, look no further than Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a perfect balance of savory sausage bites coated in rich garlic butter, paired with a luxuriously creamy parmesan pasta that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Garlic butter and sausage—what’s not to love? This recipe takes juicy sausage bites and pairs them with a silky smooth parmesan pasta that’s rich, creamy, and totally comforting. The garlic butter sauce is packed with flavor, making every bite feel like a warm hug for your taste buds. Plus, it’s an easy, one-pan dish that comes together quickly, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at the ingredients you’ll need for this scrumptious meal:
- Sausage (Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or your choice)
- Garlic
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- Pasta (your favorite type—spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the complete list of ingredients, check the recipe below!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan, and once it’s hot, slice your sausage into bite-sized pieces (or use pre-made sausage links). Brown the sausage pieces in the skillet, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook the garlic over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The garlic butter sauce will absorb all the delicious flavor left in the pan from the sausage, making it extra tasty.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sausage is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. You’ll use this to help create the creamy sauce later.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Then, add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Toss in the Pasta
Now, add your drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sausage sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in that creamy, garlicky goodness, serve the dish hot. Top with a little extra parmesan cheese and some freshly chopped parsley for garnish, if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Sausage: For the best flavor, use fresh sausage instead of pre-cooked sausage. It adds a lot of richness to the dish.
- Pasta Water Is Key: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta and makes it creamy.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a kick of heat.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese along with the parmesan for extra creaminess.
- Fresh Garlic: Always opt for fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more authentic and fragrant garlic flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian take on this dish.
- Different Cheese: You can use pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese in place of parmesan for a slightly different flavor.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted tomatoes, or even mushrooms to add some veggies to the dish.
- Low-Carb Version: To make this dish lower in carbs, use zucchini noodles or another veggie-based pasta alternative.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but if you’re looking for some sides, here are a few ideas to pair it with:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette would be a great contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli would complement the dish nicely with its crispy texture and light flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stove. If it’s a bit too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce back up.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sausage and the creamy sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, whether it’s Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage.
- Can I freeze this dish? This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sausage and sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove and toss with fresh pasta.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but keep in mind that it won’t be as rich and creamy. If you prefer a lighter option, this is a good choice.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something extra special, yet it’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner. The rich, savory sausage and creamy parmesan sauce come together perfectly, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Comforting Dinner You’ll Crave
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a savory and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The juicy sausage bites are seared to golden perfection in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and served over a creamy Parmesan pasta. This comforting meal combines bold, garlicky flavors with the richness of cheese for a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage or your choice, casing removed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
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Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.
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Combine: Return the sausage to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sausage is heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley and set aside.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Make the creamy sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder, and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
To Serve:
- Plate the dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on a plate and top with the garlic butter sausage bites. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage you prefer: Italian, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- If you want extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce before adding the sausage.
- For a bit of crunch, top with crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg