If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together, this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need. Juicy, golden-browned sausage bites coated in garlic butter, all served over a rich and creamy parmesan pasta—it’s comfort food at its best. Perfect for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests, this dish is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with flavor. The combination of garlic butter, sausage, and creamy parmesan sauce is pure magic.
Quick and easy. Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Perfect for leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Full list of ingredients is below.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage pieces until they’re browned and slightly crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and sausage back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use a high-quality sausage for the best flavor—smoked, Italian, or even spicy andouille work great.
Want extra richness? Stir in a little more butter or an extra handful of parmesan at the end.
Don’t overcook the garlic. It should be just fragrant, not browned, or it can turn bitter.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap out the sausage for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This pasta is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. The microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between.

4 FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sausage and sauce in advance, then just cook the pasta fresh before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
The sausage freezes well, but the creamy sauce can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly with extra cream to bring it back together.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or spaghetti works too.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage for more heat.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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This comforting dish features juicy sausage bites seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. It’s a quick and indulgent meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Add the garlic powder and black pepper.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Toss to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve:
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter sausage bites.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.