I love making this garlic butter sausage bites with creamy Parmesan pasta when I want something comforting, rich, and satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen. The savory sausage, buttery garlic sauce, and creamy Parmesan-coated pasta come together into a dish that feels indulgent but still easy enough for a busy day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor. I like how the sausage gets golden and juicy in garlic butter, while the pasta turns silky and cheesy without feeling too heavy. It’s also a great option when I want a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but uses simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the sausage bites
1 lb Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the creamy Parmesan pasta
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta according to package directions. I reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, I melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the sausage pieces and cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Once the sausage is golden, I stir in the garlic, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, letting everything cook for about one minute until fragrant. I remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I melt the remaining butter and pour in the heavy cream. I let it simmer gently for a few minutes, then slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth. I add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
I toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, then add the sausage bites back to the skillet. I gently mix everything until well coated, adjust the salt if needed, and finish with parsley before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time is around 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 20 minutes, so the whole dish comes together in roughly 30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over low heat and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the pasta creamy.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage?
I often swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage or smoked sausage, and the recipe still turns out great.
What Pasta Works Best For This Dish?
I like using penne or fettuccine, but I’ve also made it with rigatoni and spaghetti with good results.
Can I Make This Dish Less Rich?
When I want it lighter, I replace half of the cream with milk and slightly reduce the butter.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
I don’t find it very spicy, especially if I skip the red pepper flakes, but I can easily adjust the heat to my taste.
Can I Add Vegetables?
I sometimes add spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce, especially when I want to stretch the dish or add color.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making garlic butter sausage bites with creamy Parmesan pasta because it’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to adapt. Whether I’m cooking for family or just treating myself, this recipe never disappoints and always leaves me feeling satisfied.
This garlic butter sausage bites with creamy Parmesan pasta recipe is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish made with golden sausage, garlicky butter, and silky cheese sauce tossed with tender pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
For the sausage bites:
1 lb Italian sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the creamy Parmesan pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pasta cooking water (as needed)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add sausage pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes.
Add minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin if needed.
Add cooked pasta and sausage bites to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything well.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use smoked or chicken sausage for a different flavor.
Replace half the cream with milk for a lighter option.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas to include vegetables.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
