Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines the flavors of savory sausage with a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (use your preferred type, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or any other sausage)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return the sausage bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Set aside.
- While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water (about 1/2 cup) for later if needed.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat. Gently fold in the garlic butter sausage bites, making sure everything is evenly mixed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.
Variation
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Cooking Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking the sausage.
- Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
- Adjust the garlic amount to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a satisfying dinner.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips
- Cook the pasta just to al dente, as it will cook further when mixed with the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, use some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 21g
- Sodium: 880mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sausage and pasta separately and combine them when ready to serve. - What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Italian sausage is recommended for a classic flavor, but feel free to use chicken or turkey sausage. - Can I freeze leftovers?
The creamy sauce may change texture when frozen, but the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage alternatives and vegetable stock for the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and hearty textures. The combination of tender pasta and savory sausage tossed in a luscious cheese sauce makes this dish a winning choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the fusion of delectable ingredients in each bite.
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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Description
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines the flavors of savory sausage with a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (use your preferred type, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or any other sausage)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return the sausage bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Set aside.
- While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water (about 1/2 cup) for later if needed.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat. Gently fold in the garlic butter sausage bites, making sure everything is evenly mixed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: sausage bites, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian-American
