Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy garlic butter sausage bites dance deliciously alongside creamy parmesan pasta for a meal that promises pure comfort.

Savory sausage pieces mingle perfectly with buttery notes and sharp cheese flavors.

Such simple ingredients create magic on your plate with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just became incredibly exciting and satisfying.

Quick preparation meets incredible taste in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Pasta lovers will adore how these sausage bites add incredible texture and depth.

One bite guarantees you’ll want seconds, maybe even thirds.

Why Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Are So Rich And Savory

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Garlic butter and red pepper flakes transform ordinary sausage into a mouthwatering dish with layers of bold, complex tastes.
  • Master One-Pan Cooking: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple recipe steps, making preparation and washing up a breeze.
  • Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Achieve professional-level culinary results with simple techniques like browning sausage and creating a silky parmesan cream sauce.
  • Perfect for Comfort Food Lovers: Combines hearty Italian sausage with creamy pasta, delivering a satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the Proteins:
  • Italian Sausage Links: A flavorful base that provides a rich, savory foundation for the dish.
  • Ground Sausage: Adds depth and extra sausage flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.
For the Dairy:
  • Butter: Creates a luxurious garlic-infused coating that adds richness and depth to the sausage.
  • Heavy Cream: Builds a smooth, velvety sauce that binds the pasta together.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty component that elevates the cream sauce's complexity.
For the Seasonings and Additions:
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and provides a subtle background flavor.
  • Garlic: Delivers an aromatic and intense flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy undertone to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that provides visual appeal and a light herbal note.
  • Pasta: Serves as the creamy base that carries the sauce and sausage bites.

Step-By-Step For Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Crank up the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup.

Step 2: Chop Sausage

Slice Italian sausage links into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor.

Step 3: Brown Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground sausage and sausage pieces until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Step 4: Arrange Sausage on Baking Sheet

Transfer sausage pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out evenly for perfect roasting.

Step 5: Create Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt butter and add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir until garlic becomes fragrant and turns light golden.

Step 6: Season Sausage

Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over sausage pieces, coating each bite thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 7: Roast Sausage

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast sausage bites for 12-15 minutes until they become crispy and caramelized.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Save some pasta water before draining.

Step 9: Craft Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, whisk together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into the cream sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Step 11: Plate the Dish

Serve creamy pasta topped with roasted garlic butter sausage bites.

Step 12: Add Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips To Nail Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Slice Sausage Strategically: Cut sausage into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor distribution throughout the dish.
  • Develop Golden Crust: Brown sausage in a hot skillet to create a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in juicy flavors and adds depth to the final dish.
  • Master Garlic Butter Technique: Infuse butter with minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring carefully to prevent burning and create a fragrant, flavor-packed sauce.
  • Control Pasta Consistency: Reserve pasta water when draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand, preventing dryness.
  • Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta and sausage.

Creative Variations For Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the garlic butter for those who enjoy intense heat and bold flavors.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to create a lighter, lower-calorie sauce while preserving creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings With Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, spicy sausage and creamy parmesan sauce.
  • Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare roasted brussels sprouts or broccoli with olive oil and herbs to balance the pasta's creamy and meaty profile.

Storing Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta and sausage to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate pasta and sausage for better texture preservation.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of cream or water to prevent pasta from becoming dry.

Questions About Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • How do I choose the best Italian sausage for this recipe?

Look for fresh, high-quality sausage with a good meat-to-fat ratio. Opt for sweet or spicy varieties based on your preference, and check for minimal additives.

  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to avoid hidden gluten sources.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a lighter option, use chicken broth or Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk.

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 Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling garlic butter sausage bites dance alongside creamy parmesan pasta, creating a comforting Italian-inspired symphony of flavors. Hearty ingredients combine to deliver a quick, satisfying meal that will keep hungry diners coming back for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Meat:

  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 0.5 lb mild Italian sausage links

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 1 lb fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 0.25 cup pasta water

Garlic Butter and Seasonings:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Slice Italian sausage links into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground sausage and sausage bites until they develop a rich, golden exterior.
  4. Transfer sausage pieces to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them evenly to promote consistent roasting.
  5. Create a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter in the same skillet, then adding minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until the garlic becomes aromatic and lightly golden.
  6. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the sausage pieces, ensuring each bite is thoroughly coated, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  7. Roast the sausage bites in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they reach a crispy, caramelized finish.
  8. While sausages roast, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving pasta water before draining.
  9. In the same skillet, combine heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, whisking until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
  10. Fold the cooked pasta into the cream sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
  11. Plate the creamy pasta and top with roasted garlic butter sausage bites.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Slice sausages uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout each bite.
  • Pat sausage pieces dry with paper towels before browning to enhance caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization of heat level without compromising overall dish balance.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats pasta without becoming too thick or dry.
  • Experiment with different sausage varieties like spicy Italian, chorizo, or chicken sausage to transform the dish’s flavor profile while maintaining core recipe technique.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum flavor complexity and smoother sauce texture compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
  • Consider gluten-free pasta options for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the recipe remains accessible and delicious for everyone.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 682
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 935 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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