Craving something rich, savory, and indulgent for dinner tonight? This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect fusion of bold flavors and creamy textures. Juicy sausage bites seared in aromatic garlic butter are paired with a velvety Parmesan pasta—made all in under 40 minutes. It’s a family favorite that tastes like restaurant-quality, right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
-
1 lb (450g) sausage links or sausage meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
-
8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
-
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for warmth)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this recipe with ease, you’ll need the following kitchen essentials:
-
Large skillet or sauté pan
-
Large pot for boiling pasta
-
Whisk
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
-
Colander (for draining pasta)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Sear the Sausage Bites
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage bites and sear until browned and fully cooked, about 7–9 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Once cooked, add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove sausage bites from the skillet and set aside, keeping the garlic butter in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the garlic butter sausage bites to the pan and mix gently into the pasta. Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter sausage bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Helpful Tips for Making or Serving
-
Use high-quality sausage: Whether spicy Italian, smoked, or chicken sausage, using premium sausage elevates the entire dish.
-
Customize the spice: For a bolder flavor, add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
-
Don’t overcook the roux: Just a golden color is enough—burnt roux will make the sauce bitter.
-
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and color.
-
Make it ahead: You can cook the sausage bites in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat and combine with fresh pasta when ready.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
-
Calories: 670
-
Protein: 27g
-
Carbohydrates: 52g
-
Fat: 38g
-
Saturated Fat: 19g
-
Cholesterol: 105mg
-
Sodium: 840mg
-
Fiber: 2g
-
Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on brands used and portion sizes.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that delivers on both flavor and texture, this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate choice. The seared, juicy sausage combined with a rich, garlicky cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that’s indulgent yet simple. It’s the kind of recipe that earns you rave reviews at the dinner table every time.
Try this once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation. For the best results, don’t forget to use freshly grated Parmesan and serve it hot!
