Description
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 725
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
