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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:

  • 1 lb (450g) smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or your preferred shape)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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