Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Creamy, juicy, and full of garlicky comfort—this Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together in no time.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp Butter room temperature or melted
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb Penne pasta, measured dry
- 1 cup Heavy cream cold or straight from fridge
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best melt
- 1/2 tsp Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter until it starts to foam and smells nutty but not burnt.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the sliced smoked sausage in a single layer.
- Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy on the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- While the sausage cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8 to 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and loosening any browned bits from the pan.
- Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Gradually add the grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the pasta in bowls and spoon the garlic butter sausage bites on top. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for brightness and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Don’t overheat the cream to prevent curdling.