If you love bold flavor and cozy comfort in one dish, these Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are going to be your new obsession. Juicy sausage slices sizzled in garlic butter, paired with a velvety Parmesan cream sauce and tender pasta—it’s a dinner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or when you just want to treat yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just one pan and one pot.
• Packed with Flavor: Garlic butter + smoky sausage + Parmesan = unforgettable.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will be licking their plates.
• Comfort Food Heaven: Creamy, cheesy pasta with savory meat—what’s not to love?

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For the sausage bites:

• 1 lb smoked sausage (or kielbasa), sliced into bite-sized rounds
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the creamy Parmesan pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Full measurements in the printable card below.)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the sausage
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until golden-brown and slightly crisp on the edges (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Sauté garlic & season
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.

4. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine it all
Add the cooked pasta and sausage bites into the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Garnish and serve
Top with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Serves: 4
• Calories per serving: ~550–620 (depending on sausage and pasta type)

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:

• Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce
• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Add steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for a touch of color and balance

Tips for Success

• Brown the sausage well: It boosts the flavor with crispy edges.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives superior taste.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente for best texture in the creamy sauce.
• Add spinach or mushrooms: For extra nutrients and flavor if you want to bulk it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken or turkey sausage?
Yes! Any fully cooked sausage works great.

2. Can I make this ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

3. Is it spicy?
Only if you add the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out for a milder version.

4. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or shells cling to the sauce beautifully.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the roux.

6. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious.

7. What milk should I use?
Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% works too.

8. Is heavy cream better than milk?
You can sub part of the milk with cream for an ultra-decadent sauce.

9. Can I freeze it?
Creamy sauces don’t always freeze well—they can separate when thawed—so freezing isn’t recommended.

10. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of dinner you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of garlicky goodness. Best of all, it’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for something special. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is a keeper!

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