Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

This garlic butter sausage pasta has become my go-to recipe when I need something indulgent yet simple that satisfies everyone at the table. The combination of savory sausage coated in garlicky butter alongside creamy Parmesan pasta creates a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 35 minutes.

I first created this dish during a particularly hectic week when I needed something impressive without much effort. What started as a desperate dinner solution has turned into our family's most requested meal, especially when we have guests over who always ask for the recipe before leaving.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage or Italian sausage: Provides the hearty protein base and adds rich flavor to the dish
• Butter: Creates the silky base for the garlic sauce that coats each sausage piece
• Fresh garlic cloves: Offer bright aromatic flavor that dried versions simply cannot match
• Italian seasoning: Adds complexity with its blend of herbs in one convenient mix
• Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds its own subtle flavor
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the final dish both visually and flavor-wise
• Your choice of pasta: Works wonderfully depending on what you prefer
• Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious sauce base that clings perfectly to the pasta
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty depth and thickens the sauce naturally
• Garlic powder: Infuses the cream sauce without overwhelming it with raw garlic flavor
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat that balances the richness of the cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add your sliced sausage pieces in a single layer with space between them to ensure proper browning. Cook for about 2 minutes before flipping each piece to brown the other side. You want a deep golden color that indicates caramelization which equals flavor. Once browned on both sides after about 4-5 minutes total, transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.

Create the Garlic Butter:

Using the same skillet with all those delicious sausage bits, add butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, add your minced garlic, lowering the heat slightly to prevent burning. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not brown. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so watch it carefully during this stage.

Finish the Sausage:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss to ensure each piece gets evenly coated in that aromatic butter. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the sausage and add salt and pepper to your taste preferences. Toss again to distribute the seasonings, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking the garlic.

Prepare the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water, adding about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water. Bring to a rolling boil before adding your pasta of choice. Stir immediately to prevent sticking, then cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water in case you need to thin your sauce later.

Create the Cream Sauce:

In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it stops foaming. Pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Add the garlic powder and continue stirring as the mixture heats. Once the cream is warm but not boiling, gradually add the grated Parmesan in small handfuls, whisking between additions until completely melted before adding more.

Combine Everything:

Add your drained pasta directly to the cream sauce, tossing gently with tongs or a wooden spoon to coat every strand or piece with the silky sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.

Serve and Garnish:

Place a generous portion of the creamy pasta on each plate, then top with several pieces of the garlic butter sausage. Finish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.

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Parmesan cheese is truly the star ingredient in this recipe, but not all Parmesan is created equal. I discovered the difference real Parmigiano Reggiano makes in this dish during a cooking class years ago. While more expensive, even a small amount adds incredible depth to the sauce that pre-grated varieties simply cannot match. I keep a wedge in my refrigerator specifically for recipes like this where the cheese plays a central role.

Make It Ahead

This dish works wonderfully for meal planning. You can brown the sausage and prepare the garlic butter up to two days ahead, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cream sauce can be made a day ahead, though you'll need to reheat it gently and possibly add a splash of cream to restore its consistency. When ready to serve, simply warm the components separately and combine with freshly cooked pasta for a nearly instant meal that tastes completely fresh.

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Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance its decadence. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a peppery contrast to the creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish perfectly, especially when finished with a light sprinkle of lemon zest. For wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay cuts through the richness while complementing the garlic and cheese flavors.

Customize Your Way

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Turkey or chicken sausage creates a lighter version, while spicy Italian sausage adds a pleasant kick. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage alternatives with excellent results. The pasta sauce welcomes additions too consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety. During summer months, I often add fresh cherry tomatoes and basil at the end for a seasonal twist that brightens the entire dish.

Storage Tips

Leftover pasta tends to absorb sauce as it sits, often becoming dry when reheated. Store the sausage and pasta components separately when possible for best results. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky texture. This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. While you can freeze portions, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing, though the flavor remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can use any smoked or fresh sausage like chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for this dish.

→ What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, or any other sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well is a great choice.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly for a lighter version.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sausage bites and sauce ahead, then cook and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

→ What garnishes go well with this dish?

Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dash of red pepper flakes enhance the flavors nicely.