Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that combines tender, flavorful beef sausage with a rich, creamy parmesan pasta. This recipe is one of those meals that feels both indulgent and homey—perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
The combination of garlic butter, seared beef sausage, and luscious parmesan sauce makes this dish incredibly flavorful while keeping it simple to prepare. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a date night, or just to treat yourself, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious, creamy, and garlicky meal right at home!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Beef Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb beef sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed, to thin the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Beef Sausage Bites
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced beef sausage and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown sear.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add another tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, letting the garlic become fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (without rinsing—it keeps all that great flavor), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece in that velvety parmesan goodness. Next, return the garlic butter beef sausage to the skillet and gently mix everything together. Let it cook for another minute to ensure all the flavors meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, enjoying each creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned bite!
Notes
- You can swap out beef sausage for turkey sausage if you prefer a leaner option.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.