Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s about to become your new weeknight hero: Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta. Imagine smoky sausage, golden garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce all swirling around perfectly cooked penne, with bright pops of spinach and fresh parsley to lift every bite. This is comfort food with just the right amount of flair—easy enough for busy nights, yet impressive enough to share. If you crave big flavor and a meal that comes together in under 40 minutes, Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta is here to make your dinner dreams come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of staple ingredients can transform into something so outrageously tasty! Each piece plays a role: the sausage adds savory depth, the garlic and butter create that craveable aromatic base, and the pasta ties everything together with a creamy, cheesy hug. Here’s what you’ll need for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta, plus a few tips to make every ingredient shine:
- Penne pasta (12 ounces): This shape holds onto the rich sauce beautifully, but any short pasta will work if you want to mix it up.
- Smoked or Italian sausage (1 pound, sliced): Smoked sausage gives a subtle kick, while Italian sausage brings herby notes—choose your favorite!
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The base of the garlic butter magic; unsalted lets you control the final seasoning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Don’t hold back—fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle heat that takes the sauce up a notch (totally adjustable to your taste).
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth and helps thin the sauce just enough to coat every noodle.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings luscious creaminess—swap for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and melty, this is what gives the sauce that classic Italian-American finish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): An easy way to add herby complexity with a single pinch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): To taste—remember, Parmesan and sausage add salt too, so season thoughtfully!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly cracked is best for a little bite.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding color and a fresh, earthy balance.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A vibrant, peppery garnish that brightens up every forkful.
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. You want each piece to still have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Drain the pasta, and set it aside—don’t worry if it cools off a bit, because it’ll get warmed up again when you toss it with the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices in a single layer and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown and caramelized. This step is where the sausage brings out its best flavor—those crispy bits are pure gold! Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build That Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want those tasty brown bits!), melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and, if you like a little spice, the red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This is where the kitchen starts smelling absolutely incredible!
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, just until it thickens slightly and the cheese is melted. The sauce should look glossy and coat the back of a spoon—it’s the heart of the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta experience.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Toss Everything Together
Stir the fresh spinach into the skillet, letting it wilt gently in the hot sauce. Once it’s just barely wilted, return the browned sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta and sausage is coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta for a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away, and if you want extra richness, don’t be shy—add a little more Parmesan on top!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta
Garnishes
For a final flourish, a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley bring brightness and a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also give each plate its own personality.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a classic Italian-American touch, add warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta in individual pasta bowls for a cozy, bistro-style feel, or pile it onto a large platter for family-style sharing. For parties, you can even serve the sausage bites skewered with toothpicks alongside a bowl of the creamy pasta—guaranteed to be a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a blessing with this dish! Simply store any remaining Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next lunch or dinner even more irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to make this meal ahead or save portions for later, you can freeze Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to a skillet and warm the pasta gently over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. This helps revive the creamy sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions with a bit of added liquid for a quick lunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta works with smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even turkey sausage. Choose your favorite for a flavor twist, or use whatever you have on hand.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative—mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would all be delicious add-ins. Just sauté them after the sausage and before you make the sauce, so they’re perfectly tender.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta suitable for dairy-free diets. The result is still rich and satisfying!
What pasta shapes work best?
While penne is classic, any short pasta—like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli—works beautifully. The key is choosing a shape that holds onto the creamy sauce and sausage bites.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta up to a day in advance, store covered in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving. Just add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts cozy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious, Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta is ready to take its place in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and see just how quickly it disappears from your table—then get ready to make it again and again!
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Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta recipe combines tender penne pasta with flavorful smoked or Italian sausage in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with Parmesan, spinach, and Italian seasoning, it’s a delicious and comforting Italian-American main course that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For the Sausage and Sauce
- 1 pound smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the creamy sauce.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the browned sausage and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and sausage evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra richness, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- This dish pairs well with any short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle if you want to vary from penne.
- To lighten the recipe, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Ensure the garlic is cooked gently to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
