Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish combines rich, buttery sausage bites with a luscious, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent gatherings. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:

1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you love)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves for more robust flavor)
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:

Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sausage is golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Season and Toss: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss again to combine.
Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, being careful not to let it boil.
Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Combine Everything:

Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce and toss until every strand is coated in the creamy goodness.
Add Sausage: Top the pasta with the garlic butter sausage bites, distributing them evenly over the dish.
Final Touch: Garnish with additional grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.

Helpful Tips for Success

Choose the Right Sausage: Use a smoked sausage for a rich, savory flavor or Italian sausage for a hint of herbs and spice.
Flavor Boost: Deglaze the skillet after cooking the sausage with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to incorporate the flavorful bits into the garlic butter sauce.
Customizable Protein: Swap the sausage for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based sausage for a different take on this recipe.
Veggie Additions: Stir in sautéed spinach, blistered cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, add a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese to the Parmesan sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
Add a side salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Stir gently until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a comforting blend of bold flavors and creamy textures. The garlicky, buttery sausage paired with the luscious Parmesan pasta creates a satisfying meal that’s easy to make yet feels gourmet. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!