Description
Tender sausage bites seared in rich garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into bites
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add paprika and black pepper, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Return sausage to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until fully combined and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American