Thank you so much for being here—especially because this one is going to make your taste buds very happy! I’m beyond excited to introduce a weeknight meal that’s fast, flavorful, and pure comfort on a plate. These Easy Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta come together in under 30 minutes and taste like something from your favorite bistro.
We’re talking golden seared sausage drenched in garlic butter, paired with silky Parmesan pasta that clings to every bite. It’s cozy, cheesy, and seriously craveable.
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What Are Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Parmesan Pasta?
It’s a skillet full of juicy, seared sausage bites tossed in garlicky, herby butter—served over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta. The sausage gives a savory, smoky snap, the butter adds depth, and the pasta? A velvety, cheesy dream. It’s that kind of meal you make once, and then crave for weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & weeknight-friendly – On the table in 30 minutes or less
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – Garlic, butter, cheese, and sausage = magic
- One-pan potential – Fewer dishes, more flavor
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults both go back for seconds
- Meal-prep approved – Keeps and reheats like a dream
What Does It Taste Like?
Rich. Buttery. Cheesy. Savory. A little herby. The garlic-buttered sausage brings the zing, and the pasta smooths it all out with a creamy, mellow finish. It’s comfort food that’s flavorful without being heavy, and indulgent without being complicated.
Benefits Beyond Flavor
- Protein-packed thanks to the sausage
- Calcium-rich from the Parmesan
- Adaptable—easy to lighten up or make gluten-free
- Satisfying enough to replace takeout cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sausage Bites:
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into bite-size rounds
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Garlic press (optional)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Grater for fresh Parmesan
- Colander
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Swaps:
- Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner take
- Sub milk + cream cheese if you’re out of heavy cream
- Try gluten-free pasta to meet dietary needs
Add-ins:
- Spinach or peas for a green veggie boost
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist
- Extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs for topping
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sliced sausage until golden on both sides (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the pasta sauce: In the same pasta pot or separate skillet, melt butter, add cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and serve: Toss pasta in the sauce. Plate with sausage bites on top or mixed in. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
What to Serve With It
- Toasted garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
- A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoother than pre-shredded
- Don’t overcook the garlic—a quick sauté is all it needs
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed
- Sear sausage in batches if your pan is small—crowding steams them
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk
- Freeze: Freeze sausage separately for best texture; make pasta fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and reheat with a splash of cream or broth to freshen it up.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Absolutely. Just sear for color and flavor.
Can I double it?
Easily! Just use a big enough skillet or two batches.
In Conclusion
This Easy Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the total package—fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dinner that’s fancy enough to feel special but easy enough for even the most chaotic weeknights.
If you loved this, you’ll probably also enjoy:
- Creamy Garlic Sauce with Grilled Chicken Bites – Rich, creamy, and packed with garlicky goodness
- Best Beef Wellington Recipe – A show-stopping classic made approachable
- Creamy Tuscan Scallops – Restaurant-style seafood in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce
Let’s See Your Garlic Butter Creations!
Did you try this recipe? Tag your masterpiece on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and drop a review below! Seeing your versions totally makes my day—and helps other readers find recipes they’ll love too.
PrintEasy Garlic Butter Sausage Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy, flavor-loaded dinner brings together juicy garlic butter sausage bites and silky creamy Parmesan pasta—all in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone craving cozy comfort food. If you love recipes with garlic sausage or pasta that tastes like a hug in a bowl, this one’s going straight into your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Sausage Bites:
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1 lb smoked sausage (garlic or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
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8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or tortellini)
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1 tbsp butter
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
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Sear sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage slices until golden on both sides (5–6 minutes).
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Add garlic butter: Lower heat, add butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make Parmesan sauce: In the pasta pot or a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cream, then add Parmesan. Whisk until smooth. Season to taste.
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Combine: Add drained pasta to the Parmesan sauce. Toss until fully coated. Plate with garlic butter sausage bites on top or mixed in.
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Finish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
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For extra veggies, toss in spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
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Swap in chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
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Want more heat? Add extra red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce at the end.
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Works great with tortellini too for a fun twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Keywords: Recipes With Garlic Sausage