Garlicky Sausage with Parmesan Pasta

This garlic butter sausage bites with creamy Parmesan pasta recipe has become my go-to dinner solution when I need something satisfying that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory sausage coated in fragrant garlic butter paired with silky pasta creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something comforting but didn't have time for anything complicated. My family was so impressed they requested it three times the following week!

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage or Italian sausage 1 lb: Choosing a quality sausage makes all the difference in flavor
• Butter 3 tbsp: Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning
• Garlic cloves 3 minced: Fresh garlic provides more aromatic flavor than jarred
• Olive oil 1 tbsp: Helps prevent butter from burning during cooking
• Italian seasoning 1 tsp: This herb blend adds depth without needing multiple spice jars
• Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and color to the finished dish
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors together

• Pasta 12 oz: Fettuccine works beautifully but any shape will do
• Butter 2 tbsp: Creates the base for a silky sauce
• Heavy cream 1 ½ cups: Provides richness that makes this dish special
• Parmesan cheese 1 cup grated: Use freshly grated for the smoothest sauce
• Garlic powder 1 tsp: Adds consistent flavor throughout the sauce
• Black pepper ½ tsp: Freshly cracked provides the best flavor
• Salt: Enhances the cheesy creaminess
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced sausage pieces in a single layer allowing them to develop a golden crust before flipping. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes until both sides are nicely browned with caramelized edges. The browning creates deep flavor compounds that elevate the entire dish. Remove sausage and set aside.

Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet melt butter over medium heat watching carefully to prevent burning. Once melted add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until wonderfully fragrant but not brown. Garlic becomes bitter when overcooked so maintain vigilant attention during this phase. The butter will begin to take on the garlic essence creating an aromatic base.

Combine Sausage with Garlic Butter:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss to thoroughly coat each piece in the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning salt and pepper distributing evenly. Let the flavors meld together for about 1 minute before removing from heat. The herbs will bloom in the warm butter releasing their essential oils.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil then add a generous amount of salt about 1 tablespoon. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat until it stops foaming. Pour in heavy cream and garlic powder whisking constantly to prevent scorching. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 2 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken. Gradually add Parmesan cheese in small batches whisking continuously until each addition melts completely creating a smooth velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add drained pasta directly to the sauce tossing gently but thoroughly with tongs to ensure every strand is coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce. If sauce seems too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Serve and Garnish:

Arrange pasta on plates or in shallow bowls topping with the garlic butter sausage bites. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor dimension.

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The garlic butter component of this recipe is what truly makes it special. I discovered that allowing the garlic to gently infuse the butter creates an aromatic base that elevates simple sausage into something extraordinary. My husband who rarely comments on dinner preparation actually asked for my "secret ingredient" the first time I made this!

Make-Ahead Options

This dish works wonderfully for meal prep! Prepare the sausage bites up to 2 days ahead and store refrigerated in an airtight container. The pasta sauce can also be made in advance though you may need to add a splash of cream when reheating to restore its silky texture. Freshly cooked pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil can be refrigerated separately then combined with reheated sauce just before serving.

Perfect Substitutions

While smoked sausage creates a wonderful depth of flavor you can easily customize this recipe based on what you have available. Chicken sausage offers a lighter option while Italian sausage adds a pleasant spice. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage or even roasted mushrooms for a meaty texture. The creamy pasta works with any protein you prefer including shrimp which cooks even faster than sausage for an under 30-minute meal.

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Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal add roasted asparagus or broccoli which can cook in the oven while you prepare the pasta. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy flavors perfectly. For a special touch serve with garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

The Secret to Perfect Cream Sauce

The key to creating a silky smooth Parmesan sauce lies in adding the cheese gradually while keeping your heat moderate. Too high heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to seize creating a grainy texture. Using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-packaged makes a tremendous difference in melting properties and flavor. If your sauce ever begins to separate a splash of pasta cooking water contains starch that helps bring everything back together harmoniously.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for smoked or Italian sausage, you can easily substitute with chorizo for a spicy kick, chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a plant-based sausage alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on your sausage choice.

→ What pasta shapes work best with this dish?

While the recipe suggests fettuccine or penne, any medium pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce works well. Try rigatoni, farfalle (bow ties), or fusilli (spirals) for excellent sauce-gripping alternatives. Shorter pasta shapes are typically easier to eat with the sausage bites.

→ Can I make this dish lighter?

Yes! To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the butter by half, and opt for chicken sausage instead of pork. You can also increase the protein-to-pasta ratio by adding more sausage and reducing the pasta portion.

→ How can I add vegetables to this dish?

This dish is perfect for incorporating vegetables. Try adding spinach, peas, or asparagus to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. You could also sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the sausage for added nutrition and flavor.

→ What can I serve as a side dish?

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, while roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts add nutritional balance to complete the meal.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice the sausage and cook it a day ahead, storing it in the refrigerator. The Parmesan sauce reheats best when made fresh, but you can prepare all ingredients in advance. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best texture.