Description
This rich and flavorful dish combines crispy Italian sausage bites coated in a garlic butter sauce with creamy parmesan pasta. The savory, garlicky butter enhances the depth of the sausage, while the parmesan sauce creates a luscious, comforting base. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the sausage to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and mix well.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously.
- Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese while stirring until fully melted.
- Season with salt and black pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy parmesan sauce, tossing until fully coated.
- Fold in the garlic butter sausage bites and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Sausage Selection: Use high-quality Italian sausage with fennel and anise for a deep flavor. Spicy sausage adds a kick!
- Pasta Choices: Rotini, penne, and fettuccine work well, but you can experiment with your favorite type.
- Cheese Substitute: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg