Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines golden-browned sausage bites with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. It’s a quick, comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare on a busy night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, savory flavor from garlic butter and crispy sausage
• Creamy Parmesan sauce that coats every bite of pasta
• Quick and easy—ready in about 30 minutes
• One-pan and one-pot cooking means minimal cleanup
• Highly customizable with different sausages, pasta, or add-ins

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Smoked sausage (kielbasa, andouille, or Italian), sliced into bite-sized rounds
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Garlic powder
• Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, sautéed spinach or mushrooms

directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy on both sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce: Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve: Top with parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Use spicy sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas
• Use a different pasta: Try it with bowtie, cavatappi, or even spaghetti
• Cheese twist: Add mozzarella or Asiago along with Parmesan

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce consistency
• Freeze for up to 2 months (without pasta for best texture); thaw and reheat gently before serving

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, any fully cooked sausage like kielbasa, andouille, or chicken sausage works well.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great choices—they hold onto the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives, though flavor and texture will differ.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer a bit longer or stir in extra grated Parmesan for a thicker consistency.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s not spicy by default, but you can easily add heat with spicy sausage or red pepper flakes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes—cook the components in advance, then reheat and combine just before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well with this rich, creamy dish.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.

What if the sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Does this make good leftovers?

Absolutely—the flavors intensify after resting, and it reheats well with a little added moisture.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful, filling dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a cozy meal to savor solo, this rich pasta dish with crispy sausage bites and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce is sure to hit the spot.

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