Savory Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Every dinner table comes alive with these mouthwatering garlic butter sausage bites with parmesan pasta that blend savory flavors into a delectable meal.

Succulent sausage pieces melt perfectly with rich, creamy butter and aromatic garlic notes.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a delightful tang that complements the hearty protein.

Each bite promises a burst of incredible taste and texture that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with extraordinary results.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible combination of classic flavors.

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner with this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 763 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta

• Sausage: Provides hearty, rich flavor and main protein source, choose high-quality Italian or spicy sausage for extra depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty protein boost, select freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.

• Pasta: Serves as delicious foundation for the dish, select medium-sized pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce beautifully.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates luxurious base and adds rich, smooth undertones to the entire dish, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Garlic, Garlic Powder: Delivers robust, aromatic punch, choose fresh garlic cloves for most vibrant flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity and traditional Mediterranean essence, look for blend with dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Balances and heightens overall taste profile, adjust according to personal spice preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh finish and visual appeal, select crisp green leaves.

• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, indulgent sauce texture, opt for full-fat version for maximum richness.

Kitchen Tools for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta

• Large skillet: Essential for browning sausage and creating garlic butter sauce.
• Large pot: Needed to boil pasta with salted water.
• Saucepan: Perfect for preparing creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Cutting board: Used for slicing sausage and chopping fresh parsley.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice sausage and mince garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain cooked pasta.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth Parmesan sauce.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta

• Brown Sausage Delights

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Slice sausages and cook until golden and crispy on each side, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausages and set aside.

• Create Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until aromatic, then return sausages to pan. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.

• Boil Perfect Pasta

Bring salted water to rolling boil. Cook pasta until tender, then drain while reserving some pasta water.

• Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in saucepan. Pour in heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring until simmering. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

• Create Final Masterpiece

Fold pasta into Parmesan sauce, ensuring even coating. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water. Top pasta with sausage bites. Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a delicious touch.

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Variations to Explore

• Store leftover sausage bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain their crispy exterior and prevent drying out.
• Replace pork sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage alternatives for different flavor profiles and dietary needs. Each protein brings its unique twist to the dish.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options like rice, chickpea, or lentil pasta. These alternatives work wonderfully and provide additional nutritional benefits without compromising taste.
• Adjust heat by modifying red pepper flakes quantity. For mild lovers, use a pinch; for spice enthusiasts, add extra flakes. You can also incorporate different chili powders to create personalized flavor intensity.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach directly into the pasta. These additions create a more balanced meal and introduce extra textures and flavors.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange bites and pasta on a large wooden board with colorful garnishes for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow guests.
• Family-Style Comfort: Serve directly from skillet onto warm plates, letting everyone dig into this hearty, comforting meal with rustic charm.
• Lunch Box Delight: Pack sausage bites and pasta separately in meal prep containers for an easy, delicious workday lunch that beats boring sandwiches.
• Quick Date Night Dinner: Plate with candlelight and a crisp white wine, creating an intimate meal that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Storage Advice for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta

• Whip up double the recipe on weekends and portion into airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. These sausage bites and creamy pasta hold up beautifully when refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Separate pasta and sausage bites before storing. Freeze sausage in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Pasta sauce can be frozen in individual portions, perfect for future meal prep.
• Reheat refrigerated pasta with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creamy texture. Warm sausage bites in a skillet for crispy edges, avoiding microwave to maintain their delicious crunch.
• Pack cold pasta and sausage bites in compartmentalized containers for next-day work or school lunches. Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Mild Italian sausage or smoked sausage are excellent choices. They provide rich flavor and brown nicely in the skillet, creating delicious caramelized edges.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the Parmesan sauce or use spicy Italian sausage. These will increase the heat level without overwhelming the dish’s creamy texture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage doesn’t contain gluten. Always verify ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, turkey sausage, and reduce the butter quantity. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers to increase nutritional value.

Irresistible Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Parmesan Pasta

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich garlic butter sausage bites elevate this classic pasta dish with irresistible flavor. Creamy parmesan sauce and golden sausage pieces create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsps butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Brown sausage slices until edges turn golden and crisp, creating a caramelized exterior. Remove and set aside.
2. Flavor Infusion: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Return sausage to pan, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and toss to distribute flavors. Season with salt and pepper to enhance taste profile.
3. Pasta Preparation: Bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until achieving perfect al dente texture. Drain, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid for potential sauce modification.
4. Sauce Creation: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and introduce heavy cream with garlic powder. Simmer gently while whisking. Gradually incorporate parmesan cheese, creating a silky, luxurious sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle kick.
5. Final Assembly: Fold pasta into creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water if needed. Plate pasta and artfully arrange sausage bites on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese for a sophisticated finish.

Notes

• Sausage Browning Technique: Ensure medium heat for golden edges without burning; watch carefully and flip occasionally for even caramelization.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, preventing dryness and helping sauce cling perfectly to noodles.
• Cheese Melting Wisdom: Whisk parmesan gradually and slowly to prevent clumping, creating a silky smooth sauce without grainy texture.
• Seasoning Balance: Layer flavors by seasoning each component separately – sausage, pasta, and sauce – to build depth and complexity in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 763
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1353 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg