Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta (Print version)
Browned garlic butter sausage bites served over creamy Parmesan pasta for a rich, easy skillet dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the sausage bites
01 -
14 oz (400 g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch coins
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
07 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the creamy Parmesan pasta
08 -
12 oz (340 g) penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta
09 -
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
10 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
11 -
1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
12 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
13 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sausage for 1-2 minutes until glossy and fragrant, then transfer it to a plate.
04 -
In the same skillet, add heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and stir in Parmesan a little at a time until smooth.
05 -
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss well. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.
06 -
Return the garlic butter sausage bites to the skillet or spoon them over each serving. Finish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and more black pepper.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use fully cooked smoked sausage for the fastest version.
02 -
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the smoothest sauce.
03 -
Best served right after tossing while the sauce is glossy.