Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both crowd-pleasing and weeknight-friendly? Let me introduce you to Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a dreamy blend of juicy sausage, golden garlic butter, and a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part is it all comes together in just one skillet. This is the kind of dinner that’s as satisfying for a cozy family meal as it is for impressing guests at your next get-together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so comforting about a recipe that relies on simple, familiar ingredients. Each item here plays a key role, whether it’s adding richness, bringing bold flavor, or lending a touch of color and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta: Choose penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine for the perfect bite and sauce-capturing ridges.
- Smoked or Italian Sausage: Sliced into hearty rounds, sausage brings savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- Unsalted Butter: This is the key to that irresistible garlic butter base; using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and adds a subtle richness to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy, silky texture—so luscious!
- Chicken Broth: Brightens the sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully for a smooth, cheesy finish.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that ties all the flavors together.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for silky, clingy sauce later on. Set the cooked pasta aside while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the sausage slices and let them sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are beautifully browned and caramelized. This browning not only adds flavor, but those little crispy edges are pure magic. Scoop the sausage onto a plate and set aside—don’t wipe out the pan!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt gently. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant and golden but not burnt. The aroma at this stage will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and glossy—this is where the magic happens for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet, tossing everything so the sauce coats each bite. If the mixture seems a little thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Let it all heat through for another 2 minutes, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you want to get extra fancy, add a few more curls of Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs so well with a crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for sopping up any leftover sauce—trust me, you won’t want a drop to go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving the sausage bites and pasta in individual bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side. For a fun family night, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. However you serve it, Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is sure to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta keeps wonderfully for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for later, let the pasta cool, then store it in freezer-safe containers. It’s best to freeze individual servings so they thaw and reheat evenly. The creamy sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single portions in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even a spicy variety all work beautifully in Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Just use your favorite and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
For a lighter take, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You can also add extra veggies, such as baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, for more nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta an easy option for all diets.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gentle heat is the secret. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Toss in baby spinach, chopped bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes right before serving for extra color and flavor. The recipe is wonderfully flexible, so make it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy, cozy, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds, you have to try Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s a true comfort classic that never disappoints—give it a go and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines savory, smoky sausage with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this flavorful Italian-American dish makes a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 pound smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the cooked pasta and browned sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Final Heat: Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes just before serving.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
