Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together the bold flavors of Italian sausage, the irresistible aroma of garlic, and the luscious creaminess of Parmesan pasta in a way that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent. In just about 30 minutes, you can transform simple pantry staples into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights yet special enough to impress guests. Every bite offers a perfect balance of savoriness and creamy texture, making it a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor, silky texture, and vibrant look that make this dish so memorable.
- Italian sausages: The star protein, providing a flavorful, slightly spicy base to the dish.
- Fresh garlic: Essential for that rich, aromatic punch that elevates the sauce perfectly.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Either shape works wonderfully, offering the ideal canvas for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and velvety.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the creaminess, ensuring every bite is packed with umami.
- Butter: Helps sauté the garlic and sausage while enriching the sauce with its creamy texture.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herby brightness to cut through the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to perfect the balance of flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Start by slicing your Italian sausages and placing them in a large skillet over medium heat. Let them cook until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key because browning builds those deep, savory flavors that make the dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Once your sausages are browned, stir in fresh minced garlic along with a generous pat of butter. Cook this combination for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and soft but not browned. This fragrant butter-garlic base will infuse the entire dish with warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sausages and garlic are working their magic, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente — just tender with a slight bite. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water; this starchy water is a little magic trick that helps your sauce cling perfectly to the noodles.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage and garlic mixture. Crank the heat down to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety, enveloping all those rich flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now toss the drained pasta directly into your skillet. Stir everything together, adding the reserved pasta water little by little to reach that ideal creamy consistency that coats every strand or tube of pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Add Fresh Parsley
Finish by stirring in chopped fresh parsley, along with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. The parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra touches can take your serving to the next level. Consider sprinkling more grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. A light shower of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves brightens every plate while adding a burst of fresh green color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple garden salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl or plate individual portions elegantly twirled onto wide plates. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving adds a gourmet touch that impresses effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to meld together, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While pasta with creamy sauces generally doesn’t freeze as perfectly as other dishes, you can freeze the cooked sausage separately and prepare fresh pasta later. If you do freeze the combined dish, be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge and expect a slight change in texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation and maintain that silky, indulgent texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausages provide great flavor, you can swap in chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausages to suit your preferences.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but keep in mind it may affect the sauce’s creaminess and texture slightly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine and penne are easiest for this sauce to cling to, but feel free to use rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat mostly depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausages keep it gentle, while spicy varieties add a nice kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe reheats wonderfully and makes a satisfying, hearty meal for busy weekdays or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the way the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce mingles with garlicky butter and flavorful sausage in this recipe. I can’t recommend the Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe enough — it’s truly a fast, comforting dish that feels special but is incredibly easy to whip up. Give it a try and you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
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Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and indulgent meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy Italian sausages are sautéed with fresh garlic and butter, then combined with a luscious parmesan cream sauce and tender pasta. Finished with fresh parsley and a dash of seasoning, this dish offers rich flavors and comforting textures in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 4 Italian sausages, sliced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Instructions
- Sauté the Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sliced Italian sausages. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet with the sausages. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter is melted and bubbling.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sausages and garlic. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired texture.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley along with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything one last mix and serve the dish hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starch to help thicken and bind the sauce.
- You can substitute Italian sausages with spicy or sweet sausage according to taste.
- Parmesan cheese can be freshly grated for the best flavor and melt.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preference.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
