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
Scale
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.
