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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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