Ingredients
Scale
For the Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Steamed broccoli or spinach
Instructions
-
Preparing the Sausage Bites:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Crumble sausage into small pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Remove sausage bites from the skillet and set aside.
-
Cooking the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
-
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter over low heat.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
-
Combining and Serving:
- Return sausage bites to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Make It Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for pasta.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Flavor Boost: Add sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or spinach for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian