Description
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a cozy, flavorful dish featuring juicy sausage bites tossed in garlic butter, served over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for weeknights, this meal combines savory, cheesy, and creamy elements in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter 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 pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the Sausage Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Return the sausage to the skillet, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Cook the Pasta:
- While cooking the sausage, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later if needed.
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Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta, then top with the garlic butter sausage bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Substitutions: Use chicken or shrimp instead of sausage for a different protein, or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.