What the heck is this?
If you’re craving a meal that’s a little indulgent but still feels like a weeknight win, this is it. Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta brings together juicy, garlicky sausage chunks with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta that’s basically begging to be your new favorite dinner. The sausages are pan-fried to perfection in a decadent garlic butter sauce, then served over a luscious bed of pasta coated in a smooth, cheesy Parmesan sauce. It’s rich, savory, and totally addictive. Think of it as comfort food at its finest, with just the right amount of flair to make you feel like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– The sausage is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, soaked in garlicky butter.
– A creamy, cheesy pasta that balances out the richness of the sausage.
– It’s an easy, one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes.
– Totally customizable — swap the sausage, add veggies, or play with the sauce.
– The garlic butter sauce is so good, you’ll want to dip everything in it.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Sausage Bites:
– 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt + pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
– 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work great)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp onion powder
– Salt + pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook, turning occasionally, for about 6–8 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Once they’re cooked through, add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the sausage in the garlic butter. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and melt it over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a little more pasta water if needed to loosen it up. Add the cooked sausage bites back into the skillet and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed. Serve the sausage bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.
Serving Suggestions
– A side of garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
– A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the dish nicely.
– Want a little heat? A drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce would pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Switch It Up
– Go Veggie: Swap the sausage for grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even a plant-based sausage.
– Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
– Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the butter for a lighter version.
– Change the Cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper, bolder flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
– You can cook the sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in the skillet with a little butter before adding it to the pasta.
– The sauce can be made ahead as well; just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water.
– Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use different sausages for this recipe?
A: Definitely! Feel free to use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the type of sausage you use.
Q: Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
A: Yes! You can use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be a little thinner.
Q: How can I make the pasta gluten-free?
A: Simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of great gluten-free options that will work perfectly with this creamy sauce.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Combo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
If you’re craving a meal that’s a little indulgent but still feels like a weeknight win, this is it. Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta brings together juicy, garlicky sausage chunks with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta that’s basically begging to be your new favorite dinner. The sausages are pan-fried to perfection in a decadent garlic butter sauce, then served over a luscious bed of pasta coated in a smooth, cheesy Parmesan sauce. It’s rich, savory, and totally addictive. Think of it as comfort food at its finest, with just the right amount of flair to make you feel like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Bites:
– 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt + pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
– 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work great)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp onion powder
– Salt + pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook, turning occasionally, for about 6–8 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Once they’re cooked through, add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat the sausage in the garlic butter. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and melt it over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sausage
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce, adding a little more pasta water if needed to loosen it up. Add the cooked sausage bites back into the skillet and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed. Serve the sausage bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.
Notes
– A side of garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
– A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the dish nicely.
– Want a little heat? A drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce would pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Protein: ~30g