Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has become an absolute staple in our home, and for very good reason. It’s one of those dishes that manages to be both incredibly comforting and surprisingly quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. From the moment the garlic butter starts to sizzle in the pan, filling the kitchen with its irresistible aroma, I know we’re in for a treat. The kids devour the juicy sausage bites, and my husband and I can’t get enough of the creamy, cheesy pasta. Honestly, there are rarely leftovers when I make this, which in my book, is the ultimate sign of a winning recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, it’s easy, and it’s bursting with flavor – what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for a dish that will satisfy everyone at the table and leave you feeling like a culinary rockstar without spending hours in the kitchen, then look no further. This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new go-to meal.

Ingredients

Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well for the best experience.
Italian Sausage: 1 pound, either sweet or hot, removed from casings. Opt for sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor, or hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage as a healthier alternative.
Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter. Butter is the foundation of the rich garlic butter sauce, so using good quality butter will enhance the overall flavor.
Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic garlic butter flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference, adding more if you are a garlic lover.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Heavy cream provides the luxurious creaminess to the parmesan sauce, making it rich and decadent.
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Chicken Broth: ½ cup. Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps to thin it out to the perfect consistency. Low-sodium broth is recommended to control the salt level.
Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor profile to the dish. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth and a touch of spice to the dish. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of freshness and color as a final garnish.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating pasta that is cooked through but still firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Pasta water is starchy and will help to create a silky, emulsified sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Brown the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cooking the sausage over medium-high heat will ensure it browns nicely, developing a rich, savory flavor. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully cooked and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure there is no pink remaining in the sausage to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Leaving excess grease can make the dish heavy and greasy.
Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce the heat to prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn bitter. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sautéing the garlic in butter releases its aromatic oils and infuses the butter with garlic flavor. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much.
Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that parmesan cheese is salty, so you may need less salt than you think.
Melt in the Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adding the parmesan gradually and stirring constantly ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping. The parmesan cheese will thicken the sauce further and add a rich, cheesy flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sausage with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and browned sausage bites to the skillet with the creamy parmesan sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and sausage evenly in the sauce. Ensure all the pasta and sausage are well coated in the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every bite. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Pasta water helps to create a smoother, more emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while extra parmesan cheese allows for an extra cheesy finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as the sauce can thicken as it cools.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 35g

(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is wonderfully quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. The active cooking time is relatively short, primarily focused on cooking the pasta, browning the sausage, and creating the flavorful sauce. Most of the prep time involves mincing garlic and grating parmesan, which can be done while the water for the pasta is heating up, streamlining the process even further. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and comforting meal on the table in under 40 minutes.

How to Serve

This versatile dish can be served in numerous ways, making it suitable for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

Classic Family Dinner:
- Serve as a main course for a satisfying and comforting family meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
Elevated Weeknight Meal:
- Serve in shallow bowls for a slightly more elegant presentation.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for visual appeal and a touch of spice.
- Accompany with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy pasta.
Potluck or Casual Gathering:
- Transfer the pasta to a large serving dish or chafing dish to keep it warm for a potluck or casual gathering.
- Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as extra parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or sun-dried tomatoes, allowing guests to customize their portions.
- Serve alongside a hearty Caesar salad or a Caprese salad for a complete and crowd-pleasing buffet.
Romantic Dinner for Two:
- Portion the pasta into two elegant bowls.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme in addition to parsley for a more sophisticated touch.
- Serve with a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed broccolini for a light and flavorful vegetable accompaniment.
- Enjoy with a glass of full-bodied Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir for a romantic dining experience.
Lunch Leftovers (if any!):
- This pasta reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunch the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Choose High-Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage is central to this dish, so opt for high-quality Italian sausage. Consider purchasing sausage from a butcher or reputable grocery store for the best flavor and texture. Sweet, hot, or even a blend of both can be used to tailor the spice level to your preference. Experiment with different sausage types to discover your favorite flavor profile.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente is crucial for maintaining its texture in the creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its pleasant bite. Follow package directions closely and test for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
Freshly Grate Your Parmesan: Pre-grated parmesan cheese often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated parmesan has a superior flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a smoother and creamier texture. Invest in a good quality parmesan cheese and grate it yourself for the best results.
Infuse the Butter with Garlic Flavor: Sautéing the minced garlic in butter is key to creating the flavorful garlic butter base. Be mindful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sauté it over medium heat until fragrant, usually about a minute, and just lightly golden. This gentle sautéing process releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, infusing the butter with its delicious flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t discard the pasta water after draining! This starchy water is a secret weapon for creating a silky, emulsified sauce. The starch in the water helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, creating a luscious and cohesive dish. Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it becomes too thick or dry.
Adjust Spice Level to Your Liking: The recipe includes a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. For a milder flavor, omit the red pepper flakes entirely and use sweet Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: Boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture by incorporating vegetables into the dish. Sautéed spinach, kale, mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions. Add vegetables to the skillet after browning the sausage and before adding the garlic butter.
Make it Ahead (Partially): While best served fresh, you can prep some components of this dish ahead of time to save time on busy days. You can brown the sausage and prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the sauce and sausage, and combine everything together. This can significantly reduce the cooking time on a weeknight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti are excellent choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Consider pasta shapes that have ridges or grooves, like shells or fusilli, as they tend to hold the creamy sauce particularly well. Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite pairing with this sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the Italian sausage. To add some protein and heartiness, you can include sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You could also add white beans or chickpeas for a protein boost. Consider using a vegetarian sausage substitute if you want to maintain a sausage-like texture and flavor.

Q3: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

A: While you can use milk in a pinch, heavy cream is essential for achieving the rich, creamy texture of the parmesan sauce. Milk will result in a thinner sauce that is less decadent. If you want a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but heavy cream will provide the best results in terms of creaminess and flavor.

Q4: Can I add cheese other than parmesan?

A: Yes, you can experiment with adding other cheeses to complement the parmesan. Pecorino Romano is a salty, hard cheese that is similar to parmesan and would work well. A blend of parmesan and Gruyere or fontina cheese would create a richer and more complex flavor profile. Avoid using cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta or halloumi.

Q5: How do I store leftovers and reheat them?

A: Store leftover Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Reheating on the stovetop may result in a slightly better texture.

Q6: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While the pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and sausage bites ahead of time. Cook the sausage and make the garlic butter parmesan sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, reheat the sauce and sausage, and combine everything together. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Q7: What are some good side dishes to serve with this pasta?

A: This pasta is delicious served with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccolini, or Brussels sprouts also make excellent side dishes.

Q8: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: Freezing creamy pasta dishes is generally not recommended as the sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you do need to freeze leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to help restore the creamy texture. The texture might not be exactly the same as freshly made, but it will still be flavorful.