Introduction
Craving something rich, comforting, and full of flavor? This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta dish delivers everything you want in a pasta dinner: crispy, golden sausage, buttery garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce coating every bite of tender pasta. It’s a one-pan meets pasta pot kind of meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in just about 30 minutes.
Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping something craveable for the week, this one’s a keeper.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is:
- Flavor-forward, thanks to browned sausage and garlic butter
- Creamy and indulgent, with Parmesan in every bite
- Quick and simple, ideal for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite sausage and pasta shapes
- Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, until browned.
- Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return sausage to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and garnish with parsley.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until warmed.
- Slowly whisk in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Toss and Serve
- Add cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce and toss to coat.
- Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter sausage bites.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use good-quality smoked sausage for bold flavor and texture.
- Grate your own Parmesan for the creamiest sauce—pre-grated versions don’t melt as smoothly.
- Reserve a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make it a full meal with these complementary recipes:
- Appetizer: Kick things off with beer cheese dip and a side of crusty bread.
- Main meal ideas: Add variety to your table with chicken enchiladas or pair with a comforting lasagna.
- Dessert: End with something sweet like coconut macaroons or cookie dough brownie bombs.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Pasta may soften, but you can freeze portions for up to 1 month.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Lasagna – layered, cheesy comfort
- Chicken Enchiladas – cozy, saucy, and satisfying
- Beer Cheese Dip – cheesy, creamy party hit
- Coconut Macaroons – quick and chewy bite
- Brownie Bombs – next-level chocolate indulgence
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe brings the flavor, comfort, and indulgence of a weekend dinner to your weeknight table. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s the kind of meal you’ll return to again and again—especially when the craving for garlic and cheese strikes!
💬 Tried it? Share your pasta pics or sausage sauce tips and tag Chef Maniac!
👉 For more buttery, creamy, cheesy weeknight favorites, stick with us for weekly delicious inspiration.
Leave a Reply