Description
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, savory dish featuring smoky sausage in a garlic butter sauce, paired with a creamy, cheesy pasta. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and comforting meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the sausage slices until browned on both sides (3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
- Return sausage to the skillet, toss in garlic butter, and sprinkle with parsley. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Mix in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter sausage bites.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetable Addition: Try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute Pecorino Romano or a Parmesan-mozzarella mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: garlic butter sausage, creamy Parmesan pasta, quick pasta recipe, sausage pasta, weeknight dinner idea