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My Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta came to life one evening when I needed dinner on the table fast. The smell of sizzling sausage in garlic butter brings my family running to the kitchen every time. Those juicy bites nestled in creamy pasta have become our ultimate comfort food. Even my pickiest eater cleans his plate when this is on the menu.
Simple Magic
This dish has saved countless busy weeknights in our house. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. The way that garlic butter sauce hugs every piece of pasta while those savory sausage bites add the perfect pop of flavor it's pure dinner magic.
What You Need
- Sausage: Any kind you love works here I usually grab Italian but chicken sausage is great too
- Butter: Get the unsalted kind lets us control the seasoning
- Garlic: Fresh minced nothing beats that aroma
- Pasta: Penne catches all that creamy sauce in its ridges
- Heavy Cream and Parmesan: The dynamic duo for our velvety sauce
- Seasonings: Italian herbs garlic powder salt and pepper make everything sing
Let's Cook
- Get your pasta going in well salted water. Save a cup of that starchy water before draining trust me it's liquid gold for our sauce.
- While the pasta cooks let's get those sausage bites browning in garlic butter. The kitchen will smell amazing.
- Once the sausage is golden pour in your cream add a handful of Parmesan and watch that sauce come together.
- Toss in the pasta finish with fresh parsley and extra cheese because why not?
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Make it Perfect
Grate your Parmesan fresh it melts like a dream. That pasta water you saved? Add it little by little until your sauce is silky smooth. Sometimes I throw in handfuls of baby spinach or halved cherry tomatoes adds color and sneaks in some vegetables.
Serving Time
We love this with garlic bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes it feel like a restaurant meal. When friends come over I serve it in big pasta bowls with extra parsley on top looks fancy but takes no extra effort.
Save Some For Later
Leftovers keep beautifully for three days just store them in a covered container in the fridge. When reheating add a splash of cream to bring back that silky sauce. You can freeze it too perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible.
Questions From My Kitchen
You can absolutely switch up the sausage use whatever your family loves. Making it ahead? Cook everything separately combine just before serving. Need more vegetables? Sautéed peppers zucchini or mushrooms work beautifully.
Make It Your Own
My husband loves his with red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. Sometimes I mix up the cheese use smoked gouda or mozzarella. Crispy bacon bits on top take it over the edge in the best way.
Family Favorite
This recipe has become our go to for both quick family dinners and casual entertaining. It's that perfect mix of simple and special. The kind of meal that makes everyone feel cozy and cared for just what home cooking should be.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of sausage works best?
Both smoked sausage and Italian sausage work well. Choose your favorite variety, whether spicy or mild, based on your preference.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore the sauce's creaminess.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream gives the best results, half-and-half can work. The sauce might be thinner, so you may need to reduce it longer.
- → Why reserve pasta water?
The starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce if needed while maintaining its creamy texture. It's better than using plain water.
- → Can I add vegetables?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work great. Add them when cooking the sausage for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
A delightful pasta dish featuring sausage and a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.