Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: garlic butter sausage pasta! This dish is a game changer in the kitchen, combining savory sausage with a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce that just clings to the pasta in the most delightful way. Honestly, every time I make it, my kitchen fills with this mouthwatering aroma that makes it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it’s even served! I love how simple yet satisfying it is—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a casual gathering with friends. Plus, it comes together in just 25 minutes, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the moments that matter. Trust me, once you try this garlic butter sausage pasta, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious garlic butter sausage pasta. Make sure to gather these ingredients for the best results!
- 8 oz pasta of your choice: I usually go for penne or spaghetti, but any pasta you love will work just fine!
- 1 lb sausage, sliced: Choose your favorite sausage—Italian sausage adds a nice kick, but feel free to pick mild or even turkey sausage if you prefer.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key to that aromatic flavor! Don’t skimp on this, trust me.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: This is what makes the sauce so rich and creamy. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the seasoning of the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture, but the pre-grated stuff will do in a pinch.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch will do, but taste as you go to get it just right!
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice touch of warmth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: This adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving—don’t skip it!
Gather these ingredients so we can get cooking! You’re going to love how they all come together to create something truly special.
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into making this fantastic garlic butter sausage pasta! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and every step is so rewarding. Let’s break it down!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling like crazy, toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Remember, you want it to have a little bite to it, so don’t overdo it! Once the pasta is done, drain it well and set it aside, but don’t rinse it; we want that starchy goodness to help the sauce stick later!
Preparing the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, let’s whip up that luscious garlic butter sauce! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. I love watching it bubble and foam—it’s like magic! Next, add your sliced sausage to the skillet. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The key here is to let it get a nice caramelization for that extra flavor. Once the sausage is golden, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic is a no-go!
Combining Ingredients
Now for the fun part—bringing it all together! Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with the sausage and garlic butter. Give it a good toss to combine everything, making sure the pasta is coated in that rich sauce. Season it with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste; this is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Finally, sprinkle in that gorgeous grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the pasta. Oh, and don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving! It adds such a lovely pop of color and freshness. And there you have it—your garlic butter sausage pasta is ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This garlic butter sausage pasta comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans!
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of savory sausage and rich garlic butter creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Comforting and Satisfying: It’s a hearty meal that fills you up without being too heavy—ideal for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite type of pasta or sausage, and it works well with various veggie add-ins too!
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter sausage pasta turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks! Al dente is the way to go, so set a timer and taste a piece a minute or two before the package suggests. You want that perfect bite!
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives your sauce that amazing flavor punch! If you have garlic powder on hand, it’s not a substitute. The fresh stuff is key for that aromatic goodness.
- Brown the Sausage: Let your sausage get a nice golden-brown color before adding the garlic. This caramelization adds depth to the dish and brings out the best flavors!
- Season as You Go: Taste your pasta and sauce as you cook! Adjusting the seasonings step by step helps you achieve the flavor you love. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Parsley: Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a burst of freshness! Sprinkle it on right before serving for that pop of color and flavor.
- Save Some Pasta Water: If your sauce seems a little thick, reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. Adding a splash can help loosen the sauce and give it a silky texture.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a garlic butter sausage pasta that’s not only delicious but also impressively put together. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about garlic butter sausage pasta is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to inspire your creativity:
- Different Sausage: Experiment with various types of sausage! Try spicy chorizo for a kick, chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a plant-based sausage if you want a meat-free dish. Each will bring its unique flavor to the table!
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition and color by tossing in some veggies! Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers are fantastic additions. Just add them to the skillet when you’re cooking the sausage to let those flavors meld together.
- Herb Infusion: Switch up the herbs! Instead of parsley, try fresh basil or thyme for a different aroma and taste. They’ll elevate the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Cheese Swap: While Parmesan is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A sprinkle of feta or mozzarella can add creaminess and a wonderful twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce. It’ll give your pasta that extra zing that’s oh-so-satisfying!
- Creamy Variation: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese right before serving. It takes this dish from delicious to downright indulgent!
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas! The beauty of cooking is that you can make a dish truly your own—so have fun with it and enjoy every bite of your garlic butter sausage pasta!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this garlic butter sausage pasta! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving, which should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so if you switch things up—like using different types of sausage or pasta—the numbers might change a bit. But no matter how you make it, I guarantee this dish will be satisfying and delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta for garlic butter sausage pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta you prefer—penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta work beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed!
What type of sausage is best for this dish?
I love using Italian sausage for its robust flavor, but feel free to get creative! Spicy sausage adds a nice kick, while chicken or turkey sausage can lighten things up. Just pick one that suits your taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to enjoy! When it’s time to serve, simply combine them in a skillet and warm through.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze garlic butter sausage pasta?
While it’s not the ideal dish for freezing due to the pasta texture, you can freeze the sauce separately. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving it with freshly cooked pasta!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to storing your delicious garlic butter sausage pasta, it’s super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, perfect for those busy days when you don’t feel like cooking!
Now, when it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, you’ll want to reheat them just right to keep all that flavor and texture intact. I recommend using a skillet for the best results. Simply add your pasta to the skillet over low heat, and if it seems a bit dry, splash in a little bit of water or broth to bring it back to life. Stir gently as it heats through, making sure to evenly warm it up without overcooking. It shouldn’t take long—just a few minutes!
Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it! Place your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, and heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between until it’s warmed to your liking.
Just remember, reheating is all about being gentle; you want to maintain that creamy, luscious garlic butter sauce and those savory sausage flavors that make this dish so special. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: 25 Minutes to Pure Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic butter sausage pasta is a flavorful dish that combines savory sausage with a rich garlic butter sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of pasta.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: garlic butter sausage pasta, sausage pasta, garlic pasta