I love how this recipe brings together simple pantry staples and turns them into a dinner that feels indulgent. The garlic butter sausage is bold and savory, and the creamy parmesan pasta is rich without being too heavy. It’s incredibly customizable—perfect for family meals or dinner with friends. And everything comes together in about 30–40 minutes, so I don’t have to spend all night in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
1 lb sausage, sliced into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
¾ cup grated parmesan-style cheese
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Garnish
Chopped parsley
Extra grated cheese
Directions
Cook the Pasta I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, I drain it and set it aside.
Make the Sausage Bites In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the sausage slices until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Then I remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Add the Garlic Butter In the same skillet, I melt the butter, then add the garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I stir it all together until fragrant, then toss the cooked sausage back into the pan to coat. Once the sausage is glossy and well-coated, I take it off the heat.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce In a separate pan, I melt more butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I stir in the cream and Italian seasoning and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Then I add the parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce I add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until every piece is coated.
Serve I plate the creamy pasta and top it with the garlic butter sausage bites. I finish it off with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if I want a little extra richness.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 35–40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great weeknight meal but feels special enough for weekends too.
Variations
I use spicy Italian sausage when I want extra heat.
For a lighter version, I swap in half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream.
I stir in some baby spinach or peas for extra greens.
A squeeze of lemon juice over the sausage adds a bright touch.
I swap the pasta for gnocchi or fettuccine when I want a change.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta and sausage gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The sausage stays flavorful, and the pasta remains creamy with just a little help.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, I sometimes use pre-cooked sausage to save time—just slice and brown it lightly in the skillet before tossing with garlic butter.
What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well and mix easily with the sausage.
Can I make this dish ahead?
I often prep the sausage and sauce ahead, then just cook the pasta fresh and combine everything right before serving.
Is there a non-dairy version?
Yes, I’ve made it with plant-based cream and dairy-free parmesan—still creamy and full of flavor.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, I stir in a little reserved pasta water, cream, or milk until it loosens up to the right consistency.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those meals I keep in rotation—it’s flavorful, filling, and fast. The sausage adds bold, garlicky goodness, while the pasta soaks up every bit of that rich, cheesy sauce. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want a comforting dinner, this dish always delivers.
