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–+ servings
Benjamin

One-Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, caramelized sausage bites tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and served over creamy Parmesan pasta make this dish irresistible. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your guests!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sausage Bites:
  • 1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
  • 12 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
  • Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish optional

Method
 

Cook the Sausage Bites:
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Return the sausage to the skillet, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
  1. While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
  1. In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring until the mixture begins to simmer gently.
  3. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Assemble the Dish:
  1. Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta, then top with the garlic butter sausage bites.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve:
  1. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy, and savory flavors of this comforting dish.

Notes

  • Sausage Options: Smoked sausage adds a bold flavor, but Italian sausage or chicken sausage can be used for variety.
  • Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish or omit them for a milder version.
  • Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water helps create a silky, cohesive sauce if needed.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers make excellent additions to this dish.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

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