If you are craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. Combining savory Italian sausages with rich, buttery garlic and a luscious creamy parmesan sauce, this recipe creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that’s simple to prepare but impressively delicious. It’s a delightful meal that comes together quickly, ideal for busy weeknights or when friends come over for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, fresh ingredients is all you need to bring this Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe to life. Each item plays an important role—from the boldness of the Italian sausage to the silky richness of the heavy cream, and the fresh brightness of parsley that finishes it off beautifully.
- Italian sausages: Their robust flavor and juicy texture provide the heartiness of the dish.
- Fresh garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of pungency to balance the creaminess.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your preferred type to hold the sauce perfectly and make the dish filling.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy base of the parmesan sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Imparts sharp, nutty flavor and melts into a smooth sauce.
- Butter: Amplifies richness and helps marry the flavors at every stage.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the plate.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausages
Start by slicing your Italian sausages into bite-sized pieces and sautéing them in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is where the sausages develop their beautiful golden-brown crust and release those fantastic savory juices that will elevate the whole dish.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Butter
Once the sausages are nicely browned, add minced fresh garlic along with a good knob of butter to the pan. Cook for just a minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter melts, creating a glossy, flavorful base that will coat the pasta later on.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
While the sausage finishes, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente to maintain a perfect bite that won’t get lost in the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour heavy cream directly into the skillet with your sausages and garlic. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce is velvety smooth. This step transforms simple ingredients into a decadent sauce that clings lovingly to every pasta strand.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, stirring well to coat every piece in the rich sauce. Use that reserved pasta water a little at a time if you find the sauce too thick—it helps loosen it up without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, stir in chopped fresh parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. The parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness, leaving you with a beautifully balanced dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top along with a pinch of cracked black pepper or even a few red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. A small drizzle of good olive oil or a garnish of fresh basil leaves also makes the presentation pop and adds layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
The richness of this pasta calls for crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad to bring brightness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also perfect companions to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers or small ramekins for individual portions, making it ideal for dinner parties. You might also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy fried sage leaves on top for unexpected texture and flavor contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to blend even more as it rests, making for great next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing, so gentle reheating and stirring are key.
Reheating
When reheating, use a stovetop on low heat to warm the pasta slowly, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to retain the sauce’s silky consistency and the sausages’ juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausages are traditional here, you can swap in chorizo, bratwurst, or even chicken sausage. Just keep in mind that different sausages will tweak the flavor profile slightly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The texture might vary, but the dish will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure any sausage you buy is free from gluten-containing fillers or seasonings.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time or a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce until it reaches your favored creamy consistency.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and add it after the sausage is browned. Stir constantly and remove from heat if it starts to brown too quickly, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines familiar ingredients in such a flavorful and comforting way, and this Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe does just that. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress your loved ones, making it a new favorite to keep in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it keeps calling you back for seconds!
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Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and hearty Garlic Butter Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe that combines savory Italian sausages sautéed with garlic and butter, tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage and Garlic
- 4 Italian sausages, sliced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Sausages: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced Italian sausages until they are browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops a savory, caramelized flavor in the sausages.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet with the sausages. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted, infusing the mixture with rich aroma and taste.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage and garlic mixture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped fresh parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to adjust the sauce without thinning the flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- To make this recipe gluten free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh parsley can be swapped with basil for a different herb profile.
