Description
This easy and delicious dish features juicy sausage bites sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Sausage Bites:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter sausage bites.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce calories.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg