Introduction
Oh, hello there! Do you ever get that craving for something truly comforting, something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? I know I do! And today, I’ve got a recipe that’s going to hit all those cozy notes and then some. We’re talking about Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good, from the moment you start cooking to the last delicious bite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: You can have this on the table in under 30 minutes – seriously!
- Easy: Simple steps that even a beginner cook can follow with confidence.
- Giftable: While it’s best served fresh, the sausage bites alone make a fantastic appetizer for a potluck or party.
- Crowd-Pleasing: From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, everyone adores the savory sausage and rich, creamy pasta.
Ingredients
Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:
- 1 lb Italian sausage: I love using mild or hot, depending on my mood. Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that glorious garlic butter base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: To help get everything perfectly browned.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The essentials for any good dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a little kick of warmth. Adjust to your spice preference!
- 8 oz pasta rotini: The little twists are perfect for catching all that creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Yes, more butter! This is for our luscious sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that ultra-creamy texture.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Please, please grate your own! It makes a world of difference in flavor and meltability.
- 1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the sauce.
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper: Just a hint to round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Extra garlic goodness!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3… well, 9, but you get the idea!
- Brown the Sausage: Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage pieces and cook them until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. I like to break them up a bit as they cook.
- Infuse with Garlic Butter: Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease if you like. Now, add the first 2 tablespoons of butter, your minced garlic, and the olive oil to the skillet. Stir it all around and cook for just about a minute, until that garlic is wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Season it Up: Stir in the salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix and then set the sausage mixture aside. We’ll come back to this deliciousness!
- Cook the Pasta: While your sausage is resting, it’s time to cook the rotini. Follow the package directions for al dente pasta. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
- Melt the Butter for the Sauce: Now, in the same skillet you used for the sausage (less cleanup, yay!), or in a separate saucepan if you prefer, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream. Then, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and you have a wonderfully smooth, creamy sauce. It should be glossy and inviting!
- Coat the Pasta: Add your drained rotini pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss it gently until every strand of pasta is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. Oh, it smells divine!
- Combine and Toss: Now for the grand finale! Add your cooked garlic butter sausage bites right into the pasta and sauce. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all those amazing flavors and textures.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the pasta and sausage into bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy this delightful meal.
Substitutions & Additions
Feeling a bit creative? Or maybe you’re missing an ingredient? No worries, this recipe is super forgiving and adaptable!
- Sausage Swap: If Italian sausage isn’t your thing, try using ground chicken, turkey, or even some pre-cooked kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Shapes: Penne, fusilli, or even a long pasta like fettuccine would work beautifully here.
- Veggie Power: Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach wilted into the sauce, or even some peas towards the end of cooking the pasta.
- Spice Level: Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer it milder? Skip the red pepper flakes altogether.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks up my sleeve to make this recipe even better!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always cook your pasta a minute or two less than the package directions suggest, as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Seriously, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. The flavor difference is also immense.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always give your sauce a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Trust your palate!
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the sausage bites and chop the parsley a day in advance. This makes assembly even quicker on busy weeknights!
How to Store It
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta dish is quite good the next day.
Let the pasta and sausage mixture cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and sausage components are naturally gluten-free.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which provides a mild warmth. You can easily adjust this amount to make it as mild or as spicy as you like.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even some broccoli florets can be added when you cook the sausage or tossed in with the pasta.
What kind of Italian sausage is best?
Mild or hot Italian sausage works wonderfully. If you prefer a less seasoned sausage, you can also use plain pork sausage and add your own Italian seasonings.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring savory garlic butter sausage bites tossed with creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for busy nights and crowd-pleasing.
Equipment
- Large skillet Or a separate saucepan for the sauce
- Saucepan If not using the same skillet for the sauce
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Strainer
- bowls
- Airtight container For storage
Ingredients
Sausage Bites
- 1 lb Italian sausage Mild or hot, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For garlic butter base
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to preference
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta rotini
- 2 tablespoons butter For the sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning the sauce
- 0.125 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage pieces and cook them until they're beautifully browned and cooked through. I like to break them up a bit as they cook.1 lb Italian sausage
- Infuse with Garlic Butter: Once the sausage is browned, drain off any excess grease if you like. Now, add the first 2 tablespoons of butter, your minced garlic, and the olive oil to the skillet. Stir it all around and cook for just about a minute, until that garlic is wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!1 lb Italian sausage
- Season it Up: Stir in the salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix and then set the sausage mixture aside. We’ll come back to this deliciousness!1 lb Italian sausage
- Cook the Pasta: While your sausage is resting, it’s time to cook the rotini. Follow the package directions for al dente pasta. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside.1 lb Italian sausage
- Melt the Butter for the Sauce: Now, in the same skillet you used for the sausage (less cleanup, yay!), or in a separate saucepan if you prefer, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.1 lb Italian sausage
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream. Then, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and you have a wonderfully smooth, creamy sauce. It should be glossy and inviting!1 lb Italian sausage
- Coat the Pasta: Add your drained rotini pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss it gently until every strand of pasta is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce. Oh, it smells divine!1 lb Italian sausage
- Combine and Toss: Now for the grand finale! Add your cooked garlic butter sausage bites right into the pasta and sauce. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all those amazing flavors and textures.1 lb Italian sausage
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the pasta and sausage into bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. And that’s it! Dig in and enjoy this delightful meal.1 lb Italian sausage
Notes
This recipe is fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Grating your own Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in the sauce's texture and flavor. Don't overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.