Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines juicy sausage bites sautéed in aromatic garlic butter with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and indulgent experience with minimal effort.
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.