Have you ever tried Creamy Sausage Pasta? If you’ve been looking for the ultimate comfort food that checks every box—quick, easy, creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and packed with juicy sausage—you’ve just found it.
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is the weeknight dinner dream you didn’t know you needed.
And the best part?
It’s all made in one skillet, so clean-up is a breeze.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic butter sausage bites add a deep, savory kick to creamy pasta.
- The creamy parmesan pasta cooks in one skillet—super easy.
- Done in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flexible with smoked sausage, kielbasa, or spicy Italian sausage.
- Makes amazing leftovers (if you have any left!).
Why This Recipe Slaps So Hard
Let’s not overcomplicate it.
You’ve got:
- Golden-browned sausage bites
- A garlic butter sauce that makes everything taste like magic
- Creamy parmesan pasta that clings to every bite
This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach—it heals your soul.
It’s the kind of meal that makes people go quiet when they eat it.
Yeah, it’s that good.
What You Need (Ingredients + Substitutes)
This recipe is pretty forgiving.
Here’s what you’ll need—and what you can swap out.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Purpose | Swap If Needed |
Smoked sausage or kielbasa | Meaty flavor, richness | Italian sausage, chicken sausage |
Garlic cloves | Flavor bomb | Garlic powder in a pinch |
Butter | Forms the base of garlic butter sauce | Olive oil or ghee |
Heavy cream | Rich, creamy sauce | Half & half, full-fat milk |
Chicken broth | Adds depth to the sauce | Vegetable broth or water |
Parmesan cheese | Salty, cheesy goodness | Romano, asiago, or cheddar |
Pasta (short cut) | Absorbs all the flavors | Any type of pasta |
Italian seasoning | Herbal flavor | Mix oregano, thyme, basil |
Red pepper flakes | Optional kick | Leave out if you’re spice-sensitive |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
1. Slice and Sear Your Sausage
Start by slicing your sausage into thick chunks or bites.
Toss those babies in a hot skillet with some butter.
Let them cook until they’re golden brown on all sides.
You’re looking for that crispy edge and juicy center.
This is where the flavor starts.
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—give each piece space to brown properly.
2. Build the Garlic Butter Base
Once your sausage bites are browned, remove them and lower the heat.
Toss in more butter and chopped garlic.
Let the garlic cook until it smells heavenly and slightly golden (but not burned!).
That smell? That’s pure happiness in butter form.
This is your garlic butter sauce in the making.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes now if you want some heat.
3. Add Liquids + Seasoning
Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream.
Scrape the bottom of the skillet to get all that sausage flavor mixed in.
Then add in your Italian seasoning, a little salt, and some pepper.
Let this simmer gently for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
✨ PRO MOVE: Want more flavor? Add a splash of white wine or a spoonful of Dijon mustard.
4. Toss in the Pasta
Now throw in your uncooked pasta—yes, directly into the skillet.
Stir it up so the pasta is fully submerged in that creamy, buttery sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The pasta will cook in the sauce, soaking up all that garlicky goodness.
By the time it’s done, it’ll be creamy, tender, and full of flavor.
5. Finish with Cheese and Love
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy, stir in your shredded parmesan cheese.
Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
Now bring back those sausage bites, stir them in, and get everything cozy.
Sprinkle extra parmesan on top and garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
You just made restaurant-level comfort food at home.
Add-Ons, Variations & Hacks
You can totally remix this dish based on what you have or what you love.
Veggie Add-Ins
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes
Meat Swaps
- Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- Chicken sausage
- Ground beef or turkey
Cheese Upgrades
- Mozzarella for melty magic
- Romano or asiago for sharpness
- Cream cheese for extra creaminess
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
Calories | 600–650 |
Protein | 28g |
Fat | 35g |
Carbs | 45g |
Sodium | 950mg |
Actual numbers vary based on sausage and pasta brand.
Serving Ideas
This dish holds its own—but here’s how to round it out:
- Garlic bread (because double garlic is always a win)
- Caesar salad
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- A cold glass of white wine (or sparkling water with lemon)
How to Store + Reheat Like a Pro
Fridge Life:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Microwave: Add a splash of cream or milk and heat in short bursts.
Stovetop: Reheat gently with a touch of butter or broth.
Whatever you do, don’t microwave it dry—it deserves better.
Conclusion: Make This Tonight. Seriously.
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a meal. It’s fast. It’s easy. It’s packed with flavor. And it feels like something you’d get at a fancy Italian place—but you made it at home in one pan. Don’t wait—make this for dinner tonight and thank yourself later.
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- Savory Ground Beef Crepes Recipe
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FAQs About Creamy Sausage Pasta Recipe
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Absolutely. Smoked sausage or kielbasa are already cooked—you’re just browning them for extra flavor.
Is it spicy?
Only if you make it that way. You control the heat level with red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
Can I use a different cheese?
Totally. Parmesan is classic, but romano, asiago, or even mozzarella can work. Just make sure it melts well.
What pasta should I use?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells work best. But honestly, any kind will do the trick.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb smoked or Italian sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve the pasta topped with the garlic butter sausage bites.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality smoked or Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Pasta Variations: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape; rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work well.
- Add-Ins: For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.