Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines crispy, golden sausage bites with a luscious, cheesy pasta sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, easy enough for weeknights, and elegant enough to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A delightful blend of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese ensures everyone at the table will enjoy it.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite types of sausage or pasta for a personalized touch.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes are needed for preparation, saving you time on cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sausages of choice, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- Butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Pasta (e.g., fettuccine or penne)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sausage Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Add Sausage: Return the cooked sausage bites to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta while hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the sausage with chicken, shrimp, or plant-based sausage for different flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Include spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for a boost of nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as substitutes for Parmesan.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well, but any pasta shape you prefer will do.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and cream alternatives, and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese option.
5. What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or smoked sausage are great options.
6. How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Stir continuously while adding the cheese, and use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest result.
7. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed, but it’s fine for short-term refrigeration.
8. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
9. Can I omit the garlic?
Yes, but garlic enhances the flavor. You can reduce the quantity if desired.
10. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken, or add more grated Parmesan.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that’s both comforting and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Give it a try and savor every bite!
PrintGarlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This flavorful dish combines juicy garlic butter sausage bites with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this easy recipe is packed with savory goodness and a touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 3–4 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until garlic is fragrant. Sprinkle with paprika and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the sausage, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated.
- Top with garlic butter sausage bites and gently mix.
- Serve:
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sausage or the pasta sauce.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.