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Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together juicy sausage slices, tender pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. The combination of savory sausage and aromatic garlic makes every bite irresistibly delicious.

ingredients

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
Italian sausage (sliced or crumbled)
butter
garlic (minced)
onion (optional, finely chopped)
chicken broth or pasta water
parmesan cheese (grated)
parsley (chopped)
salt and pepper
red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic (and onion, if using) until fragrant and softened.

Pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water and simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.

Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and toss everything together.

Stir in grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use smoked sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Add spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes for extra veggies.
Substitute the pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options.
Mix in a splash of cream for a richer sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and brown it lightly for added flavor.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is not ideal due to the butter sauce, but it can be done. Thaw and reheat gently.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well to hold the sauce and sausage bits.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers simplicity and rich taste in every forkful. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy comfort of pasta night with a savory twist.

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Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Sauté
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

A hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring browned sausage tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
  • 4 pork sausages (about 12 oz), sliced into rounds
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add sausage slices and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Pour in chicken broth (or pasta water), scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Return sausages to skillet and simmer in sauce for 2–3 minutes.
  7. Add cooked pasta to skillet; toss well to coat. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

  • Swap chicken sausages or turkey sausages for a lighter option.
  • For a richer sauce, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after adding pasta.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.