Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy garlic butter sausage bites dance perfectly with creamy parmesan pasta, creating a mouthwatering combo that’ll make dinner feel like a celebration.

Savory sausage pieces add incredible depth to each forkful of noodles.

Rich butter coats everything in golden goodness, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled generously brings a salty, nutty punch that complements the meaty sausage chunks.

Quick weeknight dinners need delicious solutions like these simple yet impressive plates.

Grab a fork and prepare to be delighted by this irresistible dish.

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites Paired with Parmesan Pasta

  • Savor Quick Comfort Food: A delightful one-pan meal that combines crispy sausage with creamy pasta, perfect for satisfying hunger without complex cooking techniques.
  • Boost Flavor Explosion: Packed with garlic butter sauce, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers incredible taste layers that will excite taste buds.
  • Customize Your Meal: Easily adaptable by switching sausage types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to make it uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or weeknight meals where everyone craves something delicious yet straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sausage and Parmesan Pasta

For the Meat:
  • Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Pasta: A classic Italian staple that serves as the base of the creamy dish.
For the Butter and Oil:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for cooking and creating a smooth, rich flavor base.
For the Dairy:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a creamy, luxurious texture and a tangy, salty taste to the sauce.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Add layers of aromatic and savory flavors to enhance the overall taste.
For the Herbs and Spices:
  • Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley: Offer a touch of heat and fresh, bright garnish to complete the dish.
For the Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth and flavorful sauce base.

Cooking Instructions for Sausage Bites with Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Get a skillet nice and hot with olive oil. Toss in sausage pieces and let them dance around until they’re golden brown and crispy.

This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re looking perfect, scoop them out and set aside.

Step 2: Create Garlic Magic

In the same pan where those sausages just sizzled, melt butter over medium heat. Drop in minced garlic and let it become wonderfully fragrant.

For those who love a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Sauce the Sausage

Welcome the sausage back to the pan, coating each piece in that luxurious garlic butter.

Let everything get cozy and warm for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for extra pizzazz.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Fill a big pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Once it’s bubbling, add pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Keep a half cup of pasta water on standby – it’s liquid gold for sauces!

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and pour in chicken broth.

Let it simmer gently. Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic powder

Cook until the sauce starts to thicken up beautifully.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Time to add the star of the show – Parmesan! Stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Season with salt and black pepper to make those flavors pop.

Step 7: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta to your creamy sauce.

Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if you need to loosen things up. Heat for a quick minute to bring it all together.

Step 8: Plate and Celebrate

Dish out the creamy pasta and crown it with those garlic butter sausage bites. Sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Dinner is served!

Tips to Bring Out Bold Flavors

  • Choose high-quality Italian or spicy sausage for maximum flavor and ensure even browning by cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce and prevent clumping, allowing smoother coating and richer texture.
  • Cook garlic briefly to release aroma without burning, which can create bitter taste and ruin the delicate sauce.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, creating perfect creamy texture without becoming dry or clumpy.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, as Parmesan cheese already contains natural saltiness.

Variations to Change Up the Sausage Bites

  • Spicy Chorizo Carnival: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a Mexican-inspired kick, adding jalapeños and cilantro for extra heat and freshness.
  • Mediterranean Mix: Swap sausage for lamb or chicken, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano and lemon zest to create a Greek-style version of the dish.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Substitute sausage with roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, using smoked paprika to mimic the sausage's robust flavor profile.
  • Seafood Fusion: Replace sausage with shrimp or scallops, adding white wine and fresh herbs like dill to transform the recipe into an elegant seafood pasta.

Pairings That Go Great With This Dish

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Chianti or Zinfandel with enough complexity to match the rich, garlicky sausage and creamy pasta. These wines cut through the richness and complement the spicy undertones.
  • Elevate with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy pasta. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will refresh the palate between bites.
  • Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve toasted garlic bread alongside the dish to soak up the extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast. The additional garlic element enhances the overall flavor profile of the meal.

How to Store Garlic Butter Sausage Bites and Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep sausage and pasta separately to maintain best texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm sausage bites in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Reheat pasta in a separate pan with a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap Italian sausage with chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked and complements the garlic butter flavor.

  • How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a small pinch for subtle warmth, or add more if you enjoy a spicier kick.

  • Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage bites and pasta separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Parmesan Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter sausage bites dance alongside crispy parmesan-coated pasta in this irresistible Italian-inspired comfort dish. Quick weeknight magic emerges when savory sausage meets buttery garlic, promising delicious satisfaction for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) sausage (Italian sausage or preferred type, casing removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Dairy and Fats:

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)

Instructions

  1. Sear sausage pieces in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally until golden and crisp on all surfaces. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.
  2. In the identical skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Incorporate red pepper flakes for additional heat if preferred.
  3. Reintroduce sausage to the skillet, thoroughly coating with garlic butter mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring uniform heating and flavor absorption.
  4. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta at medium-high temperature for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain pasta, preserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
  5. Create cream sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Pour chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Whisk in heavy cream and garlic powder, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Gradually blend Parmesan cheese into the sauce until completely smooth. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste preferences.
  7. Fold cooked pasta into creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if necessary. Warm through for additional 1-2 minutes.
  8. Plate pasta, topping with garlic butter sausage bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for enhanced presentation.

Notes

  • Perfectly crisp sausage requires high-medium heat and occasional stirring to ensure even browning without burning.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to create silky, smooth sauce consistency when needed.
  • Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor kick or swap with mild version for less heat-sensitive palates.
  • Make gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles and checking sausage ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 639 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 567 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star