What’s better than creamy pasta? Creamy pasta paired with golden, garlicky sausage bites! This one-pan dish is the perfect combination of indulgence and comfort, with juicy sausage bites coated in garlic butter and nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s simple, quick, and satisfying—ideal for busy weeknights when you still want a restaurant-quality meal.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly (but tastes gourmet!)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden, juicy garlic butter sausage bites perfectly complement the rich, cheesy Parmesan pasta for an unforgettable meal!
- Quick and easy prep, but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.
- A great option for anyone craving hearty comfort food—it’s filling and flavorful!
- Perfect for meal prep or to impress guests at a dinner party.
- Customizable: Add veggies like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a fun twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few key ingredients, this dish comes together beautifully:
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
- Smoked sausage (or your favorite variety: Italian, chicken sausage, etc.)
- Minced garlic (fresh and bold)
- Butter (for that rich, golden garlic butter glaze)
- Olive oil
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work perfectly)
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the star of the show 🧀)
- Garlic powder (adds depth to the sauce)
- Salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley (for garnish)
👉 Head to the recipe card below for precise measurements and step-by-step instructions!
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This recipe is simple, fast, and guaranteed to impress. Let’s go step by step.
1. Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later!
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and sear for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss the cooked sausage pieces back into the skillet and stir until they’re coated in the garlic butter. Remove and set aside while you prepare the pasta.
3. Cook the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Plate the pasta and spoon the garlic butter sausage bites on top.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the compliments heading your way!
👉 Need more help mastering creamy sauces? Watch this recipe video tutorial for step-by-step instructions!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up well with the sauce.
- Experiment with sausage types: Try spicy Andouille sausage, sweet Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage for different flavor profiles!
Serving Suggestions
Make this dish feel even more special with these serving ideas:
- Add Veggies: Wilt fresh spinach or toss in roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Pair with Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread or buttery rolls for a perfect side.
- Wine Pairing: A cool glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Recipe Variations
Customize Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta to suit your tastes:
- Spicy Sausage Pasta: Use hot sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for extra heat.
- Sausage & Shrimp Alfredo: Add shrimp to the garlic butter skillet along with your sausage for an even heartier meal.
- Cajun Twist: Stir in Cajun seasoning for a Creole-inspired flavor boost.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: This pasta dish freezes well for up to 2 months! Store in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid overheating the sausage bites so they stay tender.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Large Skillet: A good skillet makes searing sausage and cooking the sauce effortless.
- Microplane or Fine Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan, a grater is essential for smooth melting.
- Tongs: Make it easier to toss the pasta with the sauce evenly.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Parmesan pasta meets juicy garlic butter sausage bites in this quick, flavorful dish! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. 🍝🧄
Video
Printable Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the sausage bites:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Sear sausage slices and set aside. Prepare garlic butter in the same skillet, tossing sausage to coat. Remove from skillet.
- In the skillet, make the Parmesan sauce by combining heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce and plate. Top with sausage bites, parsley, and more Parmesan for garnish. Serve hot!
Closing Notes
Voila! Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. The magic of garlicky sausage and rich Parmesan sauce elevates this dish into something truly unforgettable. If you give it a try, don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family! Tag me in your creations!
0 Comments