Introduction
Hey there, fellow food enthusiast! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that never fails to impress: Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This delightful dish combines the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and sausage with the creamy richness of Parmesan pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make this dish whenever I want to treat myself to a comforting and indulgent meal. The combination of garlic, butter, and sausage creates a heavenly aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone’s mouths water. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy Parmesan pasta complements the savory sausage bites beautifully, creating a harmony that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of sausage (choose your favorite variety, such as Italian or smoked)
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons of butter
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 pound of pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
To begin, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare the sausage bites and creamy Parmesan sauce.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the sausage and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Once the sausage is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
By now, your pasta should be cooked perfectly. Drain it and add it to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the sausage bites are evenly distributed.
Finally, serve your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish that will leave you craving more!
Notes
If you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked sausage and simply heat it through in the garlic butter before adding the cream and Parmesan. It’s a great time-saving hack that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage to find your favorite flavor combination. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, there’s a sausage out there that will take this dish to the next level.
Variations
While this recipe is already a winner, you can always add your own personal twist. One variation I’ve tried is adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms to the creamy Parmesan sauce. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms complement the dish beautifully, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
On the other hand, I once attempted to incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the recipe, but it didn’t turn out as well as I hoped. The tomatoes ended up overpowering the other flavors, so I’ll stick to the original version from now on.
Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet to cook the sausage and prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a regular frying pan, but make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
Storage
Though honestly, in my house, this dish never lasts more than a day! However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream to the pasta to restore its creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta with a side of garlic bread. The buttery garlic bread complements the flavors of the dish perfectly and adds an extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick!
Pro Tips
Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons while making this dish. One tip I can share is to resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The sausage needs time to brown and develop its full flavor, so be patient and let it cook through.
Another tip is to taste the sauce as you season it with salt and pepper. Each Parmesan cheese has a different level of saltiness, so adjust accordingly to avoid oversalting the dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine work well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Feel free to get creative and use whatever you have on hand.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy or rich in flavor.
So there you have it, a delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite. Remember to make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or trying out different sausage flavors. Happy cooking!
GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE BITES WITH CREAMY PARMESAN PASTA
A delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and sausage with the creamy richness of Parmesan pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage (Italian or smoked)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, then add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through.
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Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
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Drain cooked pasta, add to skillet with creamy sauce, toss until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
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Enjoy your Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!