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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ready in just 30 minutes, this comfort food mash-up is a flavor explosion! Juicy garlic butter sausage bites meet silky parmesan cream pasta in a dish that's both cozy & crave-worthy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 720 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)

Ingredients
  

For the Sausage Bites:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage links
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ¼ tsp dried
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk or 1 cup milk + 1 cup cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Extra Parmesan
  • Parsley
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lemon zest

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Sausage

  • Remove sausage from casings and cut into ¾-inch pieces. Lightly season with black pepper.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

  • Boil salted water. Cook pasta until al dente (8–10 mins). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 3: Cook Sausage

  • Heat 1 tbsp butter in skillet. Cook sausage 8–10 mins until browned. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter

  • In same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes for 1 min.
  • Return sausage to pan. Toss to coat. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Make Parmesan Sauce

  • Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 mins.
  • Slowly whisk in milk. Simmer until thick (3–4 mins).
  • Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Step 6: Assemble

  • Toss pasta with sauce. Thin with reserved water if needed.
  • Top with sausage bites and garnish as desired.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Gluten-Free? Use GF pasta and rice flour/cornstarch for the roux.
  • Dairy-Free? Swap butter for olive oil, milk for oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
  • Extra Flavor: Add lemon zest or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Sauce and sausage can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 3 days.
Creative Variations:
  • Cajun Style: Use andouille sausage + Cajun seasoning
  • Spring Green: Add peas, spinach, and mint
  • Mediterranean: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta
  • Mushroom Lover’s: Add sautéed mushrooms + truffle oil
  • Breakfast-for-Dinner: Add roasted potatoes + poached egg

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 720kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 28gFat: 42gFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
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