Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites
- Sear the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage bites and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add the minced garlic. Saute for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Season the Sausage: Add the cooked sausage bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to coat the sausage in the garlic butter, then cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the sausage bites and remove from heat. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Melt Butter and Garlic: In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce. Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish the Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy. If you like a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Serve the Sausage: Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta between plates and top each serving with a generous portion of the garlic butter sausage bites.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Sausage Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Use High-Quality Sausage: Opt for a good-quality Italian sausage, spicy or mild, depending on your preference. The flavor of the sausage plays a big role in the overall dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Cook the sausage just until browned and cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more to both the sausage bites and the Parmesan sauce.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: Save about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of this dish.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for extra comfort and to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an indulgent yet simple dish that blends the savory richness of sausage and garlic butter with the silky smoothness of Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the perfect recipe for a hearty family dinner, with flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more!