Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta

If you’re craving something rich, savory, and packed with flavor, then Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new go-to meal. Tender sausage bites swimming in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce, paired with creamy Parmesan pasta—it’s a combo you won’t want to miss. Trust me, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest, and it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight yet fancy enough to serve to guests. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta

This recipe is all about indulgence, simplicity, and satisfaction. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Flavor-packed: The garlic butter sauce is rich and indulgent, and the sausage bites bring in savory, smoky goodness.
• Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a meal that feels like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
• Comforting yet exciting: The creamy Parmesan pasta pairs so perfectly with the sausage bites, creating a dish that’s both comforting and a little extra special.
• Versatile: You can enjoy this dish with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies on the side, but it’s also hearty enough to be the star of your dinner.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish an absolute winner:

Sausage Links

The heart of this dish. Choose your favorite sausages—Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even chicken sausage—whatever you prefer. The sausage should be cut into bite-sized pieces so they can soak up that delicious garlic butter.

Butter

The magic ingredient that ties everything together. Rich and silky butter forms the base of our savory sauce, bringing the whole dish to life with flavor.

Garlic

Fresh garlic cloves bring in that aromatic punch. Sautéed in butter, garlic becomes the star of this dish, infusing every bite with a sweet, savory taste.

Heavy Cream

For the creamy pasta sauce. The heavy cream helps thicken the sauce and makes it rich and luscious, coating the pasta in a dreamy, velvety texture.

Parmesan Cheese

For that cheesy, salty goodness. Freshly grated Parmesan is best, as it melts beautifully into the sauce and gives it that rich, nutty flavor.

Pasta

Any pasta works, but fettuccine or penne would be perfect to hold that creamy sauce. Cooked until al dente, the pasta adds a satisfying bite to the dish.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance out the richness of the sausage and creamy pasta.

Salt & Pepper

To taste! These two simple seasonings are essential in bringing out the best in every ingredient.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this cozy, indulgent dish:

Cook the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage links (cut into bite-sized pieces) and cook them until golden brown and cooked through. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This is when the magic happens!

Add the Heavy Cream

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken up. Be sure to stir occasionally to keep things nice and smooth.

Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain and set it aside, saving a little pasta water for later if needed.

Combine Sausage and Sauce

Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir to combine, and let everything simmer together for a couple more minutes to absorb the flavors.

Add the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce needs to be thinned out a bit, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Finish with Parmesan

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give everything a good toss to melt the cheese into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the dish warm, garnished with a little chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 600

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Green Salad: Pair it with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini would be a delicious and healthy side that complements the rich pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up all the extra garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a little extra indulgence!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor of fresh garlic in the butter sauce is unbeatable. Avoid using garlic powder if you can!
• Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Sausage can get tough if it’s overcooked, so keep an eye on it while it’s in the pan.
• Make It Spicy: For a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring it back to life.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of sausage you like—Italian, chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage option. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Q2: Can I make the pasta ahead of time?
A2: You can cook the pasta in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just toss it into the skillet with the sausage and sauce to heat through.

Q3: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A3: Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish. However, the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up the sauce as it sits, so feel free to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: You can freeze the sausage and sauce, but it’s best to freeze them separately from the pasta. Reheat in the skillet and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the skillet before adding the sausage to bring in some extra veggies.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A7: Yes! You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.

Q8: How do I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or use a spicy sausage to give the dish an extra kick!

Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety.

Q10: How do I make this dish lighter?
A10: You can use less butter, swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative (like milk or a plant-based cream), and opt for a leaner sausage like turkey sausage.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta is one of those dishes that’ll have you looking forward to every bite. With savory sausage, creamy Parmesan pasta, and a garlic butter sauce that’s out of this world, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is always a win. Enjoy!

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