Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dish I turn to when I need something fast, comforting, and full of flavor. Juicy, seared sausage bites are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and paired with creamy, cheesy pasta for a dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something indulgent without a ton of effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines bold, savory sausage with buttery garlic and luscious Parmesan cream sauce—all wrapped up in a one-skillet or one-pot meal. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether I’m cooking for my family or just treating myself to a cozy dinner, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sausage Bites:
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced into bite-sized rounds)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- I start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. I drain and set it aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
- I add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, letting it brown and crisp up. I add the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- I remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, I melt a bit more butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Then I pour in the cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- I stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce thicken slightly. If it gets too thick, I add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- I toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, then add the sausage bites back to the pan and stir everything together until well combined.
- I garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep takes 10 minutes, and cook time is 15–20 minutes, making it a quick and easy 30-minute dinner.
Variations
- I use spicy Italian sausage when I want more heat and bold flavor.
- I add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra veggies.
- I switch out the pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat versions if needed.
- I toss in a handful of shredded mozzarella for an even creamier texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream, but it holds up well in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?
Yes, I often use smoked or fully cooked sausage—just slice and sear to develop that crispy edge.
Can I substitute the cream with something lighter?
I use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit thinner. I stir in extra Parmesan to help it thicken.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pastas like penne or rotini are great, but I also love it with fettuccine or tagliatelle for a more indulgent feel.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless I add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. I adjust the heat based on who I’m serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the sausage and even the sauce ahead. I just reheat everything together before serving and add a splash of cream to freshen up the sauce.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal when I want something flavorful, comforting, and totally satisfying. The buttery garlic sausage and rich pasta sauce are a match made in heaven—and it all comes together so quickly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel like a treat, even on the busiest nights.
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A Perfect Weeknight Meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate 30-minute weeknight dinner. Juicy, crispy sausage bites are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and paired with creamy Parmesan pasta for a one-pan meal that’s bold, comforting, and full of flavor. Quick, easy, and always satisfying!
Ingredients
- For the Sausage Bites:
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa (sliced into bite-sized rounds)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add sausage slices. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, season to taste, and simmer until slightly thickened. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss pasta in the sauce, then return sausage to the skillet and mix until combined.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for more veggies.
- Sub with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat as needed.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Half-and-half or milk can be used, but sauce may be thinner.
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