If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, look no further than this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender pasta with crispy, savory sausage bites all tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The wonderful blend of smoky sausage, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice creates a comforting dish that feels special but requires surprisingly little effort. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort food favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe plays a vital role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and aroma to the dish. The simplicity of these pantry staples makes the preparation a breeze without sacrificing a delicious outcome.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): Provides the perfect base with great shape to hold the sauce and sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to crisp the sausage slices beautifully and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced: The star protein, giving the dish a smoky, savory punch with each bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich, silky garlic butter sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers that iconic fragrant aroma and bold flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness perfectly—feel free to skip or double based on your spice love.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings warmth and herbal complexity to the sauce with notes of oregano and basil.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and creates a harmonious balance.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts into the pasta for extra indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, vibrant burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your penne or rotini pasta in generously salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness in the center, which is key to a perfect texture that holds up well when tossed with the sauce and sausage. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sausage and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the sliced smoked sausage rounds in a single layer and cook them without stirring for a couple of minutes to get a lovely brown crust. Once browned on one side, flip and continue cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until the edges turn crispy and golden. This step develops intense flavor and adds a delicious chewy contrast to the tender pasta. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the empty skillet. As the butter melts, stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Let this fragrant mixture cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is soft but not browned, releasing that glorious aroma that will infuse the entire dish with its rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Sausage and Pasta
Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Now, add the drained pasta and toss everything together so that every piece of pasta is lovingly coated in that buttery, garlicky goodness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, making sure the seasoning enhances every delicious component.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Parsley
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and sausage mixture. Toss gently once more to allow the cheese to melt just slightly, adding a delightful creamy texture and umami depth. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle fresh note that balances the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate the presentation and flavor of your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch. A few lemon zest shavings also work wonders to add a lively citrus brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add freshness and contrast. Garlic bread on the side can’t be beaten if you’re in the mood for a meal that feels indulgent and cozy all at once.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls for a homey feel or on a large platter family-style to encourage sharing and chatting around the table. Garnishing with extra parsley sprigs and freshly cracked pepper adds lovely visual appeal. For a fun twist, wrap the sausage bites and pasta in large lettuce leaves as handheld bites at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen even more after a day, making the leftovers equally delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers to make reheating a breeze. Before freezing, you might want to omit the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, adding them fresh after reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir occasionally until heated through to keep the sausage tender and the pasta moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Smoked sausage adds great flavor, but you can easily swap it for turkey sausage for a lighter option or even spicy chorizo for a smoky kick. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness and type of sausage.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and reheats nicely, making it convenient for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers are wonderful additions that bring color, nutrition, and extra flavor to the dish. Add them during the sauce-making step or briefly sauté before adding sausage for the best results.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce without overpowering it. If you prefer no spice, simply omit them, or add more if you like it fiery.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or any short pasta with grooves or ridges work beautifully as they hold the garlic butter sauce and sausage bits well, offering a great bite in every forkful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about diving into a bowl of Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe that’s rich, flavorful, and simple to make. This recipe combines beloved ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and a little special. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers on taste and ease every single time. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new favorite meal to keep in your recipe rotation!
Print
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make main course combining perfectly cooked pasta with crispy smoked sausage, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce seasoned with Italian herbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. This flavorful dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- Salt for pasta water
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes until the slices are browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Combine sausage and sauce: Return the browned sausage slices to the skillet, stirring them into the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage and whole wheat pasta.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
