Creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter sausage bites is one of those easy, comforting meals I love making when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The savory sausage is browned and coated in garlicky butter, then paired with a rich and creamy parmesan pasta that brings everything together in the most delicious way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, hearty, and full of bold flavors. The garlic butter sausage bites are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they pair so well with the silky parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect all-in-one dinner for busy weeknights that feels like something I’d order at a restaurant—but made right at home.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
for the sausage bites:
- smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
- unsalted butter
- garlic, minced
- red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
for the creamy parmesan pasta:
- pasta of choice (I like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- unsalted butter
- garlic, minced
- all-purpose flour
- milk or half-and-half
- grated parmesan cheese
- salt
- black pepper
directions
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Cook the pasta: I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside (saving a bit of pasta water).
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Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet, I melt butter and cook the sausage slices until browned on both sides. Then I stir in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute. I remove the sausage and set it aside.
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Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, I add a bit more butter and garlic, then whisk in flour to make a quick roux. I slowly pour in the milk while whisking, cooking until the sauce thickens. Then I stir in the parmesan cheese until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
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Combine everything: I toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it up. Then I top it with the garlic butter sausage bites and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
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Serve: I plate it up immediately while it’s hot and creamy. It’s great with a side salad or some roasted veggies if I want a little extra.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Variations
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I sometimes use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
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A handful of spinach stirred into the pasta at the end adds color and extra nutrition.
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I love adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for more flavor.
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For a gluten-free version, I use GF pasta and substitute cornstarch for the flour in the sauce.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. It doesn’t freeze well because of the dairy sauce, so I prefer to enjoy it fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this with pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, I often use fully cooked sausage and just brown it in the skillet for that nice crispy texture.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
I like short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini because they hold the sauce well. But any shape works—use what I have on hand.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Definitely. Heavy cream makes the sauce even richer. I just use less since it’s thicker.
Is this spicy?
Only if I add the red pepper flakes. I leave them out for a milder version, especially when cooking for kids.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I usually make it fresh, but I’ve prepped the sausage and sauce ahead, then boiled the pasta right before serving. It saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter sausage bites is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dinner I keep in regular rotation. It’s quick to make, full of rich, comforting flavors, and perfect for those nights when I want something cozy and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Description
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Sausage Bites is an easy and comforting weeknight dinner made with crispy, garlicky sausage and rich, cheesy pasta. This 30-minute recipe is packed with flavor and feels like a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the sausage bites:
- Smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the creamy parmesan pasta:
- Pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- All-purpose flour
- Milk or half-and-half
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside (reserve a bit of pasta water).
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Sauté: In a skillet, melt butter and cook sausage slices until golden and crispy. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute. Remove sausage and set aside.
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Make parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt more butter and sauté garlic. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually pour in milk, whisking until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Finish the sauce: Stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Top with garlic butter sausage bites and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
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Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
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Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
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For a gluten-free option, use GF pasta and thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.
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Add sautéed mushrooms for a savory upgrade.
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