Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The combination of savory sausage, aromatic garlic, and rich butter tossed with pasta creates a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect when you want something simple yet indulgent. It’s made with pantry staples and delivers bold flavor without much effort. The garlic butter sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, and the sausage adds protein and spice, making it a well-rounded one-pot meal.

• Quick and easy to prepare
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients
• Comforting and satisfying
• Great for meal prep or leftovers
• Customizable with your favorite veggies or pasta

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite kind)
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

directions

this recipe

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage (removed from casing) and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Add minced garlic and butter to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and the butter is melted and slightly browned.
4. Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and garlic butter.
5. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or broccoli work great.
• Switch the protein: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage.
• Try a creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
• Use different pasta: Works well with spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle.
• Make it spicier: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is labeled gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, slice pre-cooked sausage and sauté it with the garlic and butter just to heat through and add flavor.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes, Pecorino Romano or Asiago would be great alternatives.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and keep an eye on it—it should be fragrant, not brown.

Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on the sausage used. You can control the heat by choosing mild or spicy sausage and adjusting red pepper flakes.

Can I freeze Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta?

It’s not ideal since pasta can get mushy when thawed, but you can freeze it for up to a month if needed.

What sides go well with this dish?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this pasta.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I make it more saucy?

Add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more butter and cheese for a creamier, more cohesive sauce.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is the kind of meal that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s a great go-to dinner recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat. Whether you stick to the basics or jazz it up with veggies and spice, it’s sure to become a favorite.

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