Introduction to Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta
Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re like me, your kitchen is a whirlwind of activity. With schedules packed and little ones needing constant attention, I know how hard it can be to whip up dinner that’s both quick and delicious. That’s why I’m excited to share my Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta with you—a recipe that can turn a hectic evening into a culinary delight! This dish combines savory sausage, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply treating yourself after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta
This Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for anyone balancing work and family. The combination of savory sausage and creamy sauce makes every bite a burst of flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup? Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen, bringing smiles around the dinner table!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta
Let’s dive into the heart of this meal—the ingredients! Each one plays a special role in making this dish absolutely delightful. You’ll find that cooking with fresh, quality ingredients really does make a difference.
- Smoked or Italian sausage: This is the star of our show! Choose your favorite for a flavor-packed punch
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce. Always go unsalted for better control over seasoning.
- Garlic cloves: The aromatic base that brings out all the flavors. Fresh is best, but you can use minced garlic from a jar in a pinch.
- Olive oil: A drizzle that helps cook the sausage perfectly and adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish. Feel free to customize with your favorites!
- Fresh parsley: Not just a garnish! This bright herb adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors. Use freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or whatever you have on hand. Each shape holds onto the sauce differently!
- Heavy cream: The magic ingredient that transforms the dish into a rich, creamy delight.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for the best melting experience. A key player in our creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder: An extra boost of garlic flavor without the chopping work.
- Ground black pepper: For extra seasoning; adjust to your taste!
All the precise measurements can be found at the bottom of the article, so you won’t miss a thing when you’re ready to make this delectable dish!
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the cooking! This Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta is straightforward, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First things first, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once that oil is shimmering, toss in your sliced sausage. Sauté the pieces for about 4–5 minutes until they’re beautifully browned on both sides. The sizzle you hear? That’s the sound of flavor building! When they’re done, move the sausage to a plate and let them sit. This is just the beginning of your delicious journey!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, let’s melt butter in the same skillet, still over medium heat. The leftover flavors from the sausage will mingle beautifully! Once the butter is melted, add your minced garlic and sauté it for 1–2 minutes. Be careful; you want it fragrant but not burnt. It’s like inviting your favorite aromas into your kitchen. After the garlic becomes aromatic, return the sausage to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the sausage with that garlicky goodness. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat. Grab that fresh parsley and toss it in for a pop of color!
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While you’re sautéing, it’s a perfect time to boil that pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember, don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before you drain it! It’s a secret weapon for adjusting the creaminess later on.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate large saucepan, melt more butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, stirring constantly. This will create a luxurious base for your sauce. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly. It should turn into a creamy dream! Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste testing is encouraged—after all, we want to make sure it’s just right!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now comes the fun part! Combine the drained pasta with the creamy sauce and toss well to ensure each strand is generously coated. If you saved some of that pasta water, add a splash to adjust the sauce’s consistency. It should be velvety but not too thick. Mix until every bite of pasta is drenched in that rich garlic butter and sausage flavor!
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
At last, it’s time to serve! Arrange the creamy pasta on plates and top it with those gorgeous garlic butter sausage bites. For the finishing touch, garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Your Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta is ready to impress. Trust me, it’ll taste as wonderful as it looks!
Tips for Success
- Always taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to suit your palate.
- If you want extra creaminess, reserve some pasta water to mix in.
- For perfect pasta, follow package instructions, but check for doneness a minute early.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sausage; it’ll brown better this way.
- Fresh herbs elevate the dish; consider adding basil or oregano for more flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet: Essential for sautéing the sausage and garlic. A non-stick option makes cleanup easier.
- Large pot: Needed for boiling the pasta. Any cooking pot will do!
- Whisk: Useful for mixing the creamy sauce. A fork can work in a pinch.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities—essential for success!
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring everything together; you can also use a spatula.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a delightful heat that complements the rich flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free meal.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Switch to whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist with added fiber and nutrients.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and vibrant color.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a new flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Pair this pasta with warm garlic bread for a comforting touch.
- Simple Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
- Presentation: Serve in shallow bowls for an elegant look, garnishing with extra parsley and Parmesan.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta
As a passionate home cook, I understand that you may have questions about this delightful dish. Let’s clear up some common inquiries so you can cook with confidence!
Can I use other types of sausage? Absolutely! While I love using smoked or Italian sausage, feel free to experiment with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based options. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the table.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? While Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to combine it with the pasta. Just remember to add a splash of cream or pasta water to maintain its creamy texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of plain yogurt and milk. Just keep in mind that the richness will be slightly reduced.
How can I make it gluten-free? You can easily make this dish gluten-free by opting for gluten-free pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, and you’ll be good to go!
Can I add vegetables to the pasta? Yes! Adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini not only enhances the dish’s nutrition but also adds a splash of color. Just sauté them briefly before adding the garlic.
Final Thoughts
Cooking is more than just a means to feed our families; it’s a way to create memories and share love. My Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta embodies this spirit beautifully. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a dish that not only satisfies hungry bellies, but also warms hearts. The delightful blend of savory sausage and creamy, garlicky sauce will have your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! So, gather your loved ones around the table, savor each bite, and relish the joy of cooking together. It truly is a dish worth celebrating!
Print
Garlic Butter Sausage Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious garlic butter sausage parmesan pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of sausage and creamy parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 450 g smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 45 g unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ml olive oil
- 5 g Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 340 g pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred shape)
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 360 ml heavy cream
- 90 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 5 g garlic powder
- 2 g ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until well browned on both sides, approximately 4–5 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Return the sausage to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine drained pasta with creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Arrange the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates and top with garlic butter sausage bites. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley prior to serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- Substitute sausage with a vegetarian option for a meatless version.
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
