Ever have one of those evenings when you’re craving something extra cozy — the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with the scent of garlic and butter, and instantly makes everything feel right in the world? That’s exactly what Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta delivers. It brings together golden-browned sausage bites, a dreamy parmesan cream sauce, and tender pasta into one rich, satisfying dish. And once you taste it, you’ll find yourself dreaming about Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta all over again.
I remember making it for the first time on a cold weeknight with nothing but a few basic ingredients and zero energy to cook. Leftover sausages and a few lasagne sheets were all I had, along with a small wedge of parmesan I had forgotten about. As the garlic hit the hot butter and the sausages began to sizzle, I could tell this was going to be special. That dish didn’t just fill me up — it made me feel taken care of. It tasted like something a loved one would cook for you, and I’ve been making it ever since. On nights when I want something equally cozy but with a twist, I also turn to this delicious Crockpot Beef and Noodles — the slow-cooked flavor is unbeatable.
Another time, during a rainy evening when the fridge was nearly empty and takeout didn’t sound appealing, I threw this together again. I had a few lasagne sheets, some leftover sausage, and a half-block of parmesan. I didn’t expect much, but after one bite, I knew this recipe was going into heavy rotation. It reminded me of the kind of hearty meals my grandmother used to make, where simple ingredients turned into something unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- It’s easy to make: Ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Versatile: Switch up the sausage or pasta to suit your taste.
- Quick cooking: From pan to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this creamy, cheesy pasta. If your family enjoys dishes like this, you might also love the hearty flavors packed into this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.
First-to-Final Guide to Cooking Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
First: Preparation
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 250g (9 oz) fresh lasagne sheets (or pasta of choice like rigatoni or pappardelle)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 450g (1 lb) Italian pork sausages, casings removed
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs (for mixing pasta and sauce)
Second: Cooking the Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
1. Boil the Pasta
- If using fresh lasagne sheets, cut or tear them into 1-inch strips.
- Boil water with salt, but cook pasta after the sauce is ready. Fresh pasta only needs 30–60 seconds.
- For dried pasta, cook according to package instructions.
2. Sear the Sausage Bites
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage (casings removed) and break into chunks.
- Cook for 5 minutes, until browned.
3. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste
- Add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until it darkens and caramelizes.
4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- Pour in white wine (or extra chicken stock) to deglaze.
- Scrape the pan to lift flavorful bits.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced.
5. Add Stock and Herbs
- Add chicken stock and reduce by half.
- Mix in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
6. Make It Creamy
- Pour in heavy cream, stir well.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine with Pasta
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve with extra parmesan and garnish with parsley or basil.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Use fresh lasagne sheets for homemade-style pasta with no kneading.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste – it adds deep, umami flavor.
- Cook the sauce first when using fresh pasta to prevent overcooking.
- Adjust cream-to-stock ratio to make it lighter or richer.
- Use pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Overcooking pasta: Fresh pasta cooks in under a minute; watch it closely.
- Skipping the deglazing step: That wine (or stock) lifts all the savory bits stuck to the pan.
- Using pre-shredded parmesan: Always grate fresh for the best melt and flavor.
- Not seasoning enough: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Forgetting to serve immediately: Pasta absorbs the sauce quickly and can dry out.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Q: How do I make Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta healthier?
A: Use light cream or a mix of milk and cream. You can also add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Q: What kind of sausage is best?
A: Mild Italian sausage is ideal, but spicy or chorizo will work for more kick. Chicken sausage also works.
Q: Can I use dried pasta instead of lasagne sheets?
A: Absolutely. Try rigatoni, pappardelle, or thick fettuccine for the best results.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or stock to revive the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta?
A: It’s not recommended. The creamy sauce can separate and the pasta may turn mushy.
Q: What vegetables can I add to this dish?
A: Spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli all pair well.
Conclusion: Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for Busy Nights
In summary, Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ideal combination of convenience and indulgence. It’s flavorful, filling, and fast to prepare — what more could you ask for?
You can customize Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta with your favorite sausages, add veggies for nutrition, or double the batch for amazing leftovers. With a rich garlic butter sauce and creamy parmesan base, every bite is pure comfort food bliss. And if you’re into comforting meals baked to golden perfection, you should definitely check out these adorable Mini Meatloaves — they’re just as satisfying and just as easy.
Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight meal. If you loved it, don’t forget to comment below and share it with friends who appreciate a good pasta dish!
PrintGarlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—quick, rich, and packed with flavor. Tender sausage bites sizzle in garlic butter and simmer in a parmesan cream sauce, then tossed with pasta for a cozy dinner that tastes like home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 250g (9 oz) fresh lasagne sheets (or pasta of choice like rigatoni or pappardelle)
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 450g (1 lb) Italian pork sausages, casings removed
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If using fresh lasagne sheets, cut or tear them into 1-inch strips. Cook dried pasta according to package instructions. For fresh sheets, cook for just 30–60 seconds after the sauce is ready. -
Sear the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and break it into chunks. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. -
Build the Flavor:
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. -
Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in white wine (or chicken stock). Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. -
Add Stock & Seasoning:
Pour in chicken stock and simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. -
Make it Creamy:
Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens. Add parmesan cheese and mix until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Finish & Serve:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Garnish with more parmesan and optional parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh lasagne sheets give this pasta a homemade texture, but any thick pasta like rigatoni or pappardelle will work. Want to add a veggie boost? Toss in baby spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini just after cooking the sausage. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or stock, though freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy-rich sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: ~625
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~980mg
- Fat: ~38g
- Saturated Fat: ~17g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~18g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~42g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
Keywords: Garlic butter sausage pasta, creamy parmesan pasta, sausage bites pasta, comfort food pasta, easy pasta dinner, skillet sausage pasta, weeknight meals, kid-friendly dinner