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