Description
This recipe combines flavorful garlic butter sausage bites with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal. Perfect for a quick dinner in just 30 minutes, it features browned smoked or Italian sausage coated in fragrant garlic butter, served over pasta enveloped in a smooth Parmesan cream sauce, all garnished with fresh parsley to brighten the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
- 1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make garlic butter sausage bites: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Return the sausage to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter until coated. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter sausage bites over the creamy Parmesan pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage or Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, as sausage can be salty.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness – don’t skip it.
