Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe. Combining savory sausage bites coated in rich garlic butter with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is a delightful blend of flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast. With simple ingredients like pasta, sausage, garlic, and Parmesan, this recipe transforms pantry staples into something extraordinary.
It’s easy to customize—add vegetables for a healthy twist or switch up the pasta type to suit your preference. One thing’s for sure: this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You Will Love Making This RecipeÂ
This recipe ticks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy schedules.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples.
- Rich Flavor: The garlic butter enhances the savory sausage bites, while the Parmesan sauce adds a creamy indulgence.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite pasta, sausage type, or even add vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the hearty flavors and creamy texture.
This dish is not only delicious but also stress-free. With its straightforward steps and adaptable ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Bites:
- 12 oz sausage links, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment Used
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Strainer
Directions & InstructionsÂ
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sausage Bites:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked pasta and sausage bites to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Garnish:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Nutritional InformationÂ
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 640
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 38g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella for an extra creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes! Simply slice and heat the sausage in the skillet before adding to the pasta.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s perfect for thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the pasta; al dente is key for a satisfying texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta dish with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a gourmet touch.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Strainer
Ingredients Â
For the Sausage Bites:
- 12 oz sausage links sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta penne, linguine, or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
InstructionsÂ
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sausage Bites:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta and sausage bites to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water, if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.