Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, Italian sausage, and creamy Parmesan cheese. This meal is not just delicious, but it is also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With every bite, you will experience a burst of flavor that will leave you satisfied and happy.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a wonderful combination of textures and flavors. The juicy sausage bites paired with creamy pasta create a comforting dish that everyone will love. It is perfect for those who enjoy Italian flavors and want a filling meal that doesn’t take too much time to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your family and friends!
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- To taste: salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- To taste: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through—this takes about 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until combined and warmed through.
- Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thickened—for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water to loosen it.
- Fold in the cooked sausage bites or spoon them over the top. Garnish with parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Serve this dish hot, straight from the stove. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Make sure to sprinkle extra parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Store Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- If you like it spicy, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of sausage, such as chicken or turkey sausage. For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat pasta or a gluten-free pasta alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage to save time. Just heat it through in the skillet before adding the garlic.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a creamy pasta dish.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. When thawing, reheat on the stove with a splash of cream to bring back the creaminess.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- To taste salt and pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- To taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking Sausage
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through—this takes about 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking Pasta
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Making Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until combined and warmed through.
- Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thickened—for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some pasta water to loosen it.
- Fold in the cooked sausage bites or spoon them over the top. Garnish with parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
