Name: GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces; 3 tbsp butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite); 2 tbsp butter; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 6 reviews

Meet your new weeknight hero: GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA. Imagine juicy sausage bites glistening with fragrant garlic butter, nestled on a bed of dreamy, ultra-creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, savory, and ready in under 40 minutes! Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, you’ll be utterly enchanted by just how simple it is to create something so luxurious and satisfying. Prepare to have this go-to dish requested again and again!

GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with everyday ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the table. From the smoky sausage to the lusciously creamy sauce, every component is essential for that unforgettable combination of flavor, texture, and comfort.

Smoked or Italian Sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite style for maximum flavor and bite; spicy varieties add an extra kick!
Butter (5 tbsp total): Divided for both the sausage and the pasta; it gives this dish its luscious, silky finish.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The unmistakable backbone of the garlic butter sauce—don’t skimp.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps brown the sausage and lends richness to the garlic butter.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Adds herby aroma and depth to the sausage bites.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on at the end for brightness and a pop of color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—taste as you go!
Pasta (12 oz): Fettuccine, penne, or any favorite shape works beautifully for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups): The key to a truly rich and velvety Parmesan sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Brings salty, nutty, umami-packed goodness—use fresh if you can.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds gentle garlic flavor throughout the creamy pasta.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances the entire dish with a gentle kick of warmth.

How to Make GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced sausage and let it cook, undisturbed, until the first side gets those wonderfully golden, crispy edges—about 2 minutes. Flip and repeat, letting the sausage render out flavor and develop a little chew.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic Butter

Remove the browned sausage from the skillet and set aside. Melt butter in the same skillet (hello, flavor!), then add minced garlic and cook until it releases its irresistible aroma—about a minute or two. Return the sausage to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlicky goodness. Sprinkle over Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then finish with a fresh parsley shower.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Be sure to reserve a bit of that starchy cooking water in case you want to loosen your sauce later! Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate large saucepan, melt more butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, then slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns silky and thick. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper—it should be dreamy, savory, and luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Toss, Layer, and Serve

Add your drained pasta right into the Parmesan sauce and toss until every noodle is lavishly coated. To serve, portion the creamy pasta into bowls or onto plates, then pile on the garlic butter sausage bites. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a little more parsley for a beautiful, vibrant finish.

How to Serve GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! Shower your GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA with extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. If you crave a hint of spice, a light dusting of red pepper flakes can provide lovely warmth too.

Side Dishes

This hearty main plays nicely with crisp salads, garlic bread, or simple roasted vegetables. Think a lemony arugula salad, buttery green beans, or crunchy garlic croutons for perfect balance and contrast against the creamy, rich pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA in a large, shallow bowl for family-style dining. Or layer the sausage bites in a ring around a mound of pasta for a gorgeous dinner party centerpiece. Mini cast iron skillets can also make an adorable individual presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta and sausage both absorb more flavor overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with cream sauce aren’t always the best for freezing, GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA can be frozen in a pinch. Keep in mind the sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a gentle stir when reheating will help bring it back together. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out. The microwave works fine as well—just use short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is steaming hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or meatless twist. Each brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment.

Will another pasta shape work for this recipe?

Yes! Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even shells are all fantastic options. The important thing is to use a shape that holds the creamy sauce and sausage bites well.

Can I add vegetables?

Certainly—this is a great blank canvas. Spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms can be stirred into the sauce, adding even more color and nutrition to your GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA.

How can I lighten up the creamy sauce?

You can substitute half and half or whole milk for the heavy cream, or even try a blend of milk and a little cream cheese. Just keep in mind the sauce may not be quite as rich, but still absolutely delicious!

What’s the best way to make this ahead for entertaining?

Prepare both the garlic butter sausage bites and the creamy Parmesan pasta separately up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, and assemble and reheat gently right before serving for stress-free entertaining with fabulous results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both easy and deeply comforting, GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA is it! It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table (and back for seconds). Give it a try—you’re going to love just how crowd-pleasing and cozy this dish really is!