Oh my goodness, if you love the irresistible combo of garlic and butter as much as I do, then this garlic butter sausage pasta is going to blow you away! Seriously, the moment you start sautéing that minced garlic in butter, your kitchen will fill with an aroma that’s just divine. I whip this dish up whenever I need something comforting yet quick—like those busy weeknights when I’m juggling a million things. It’s one of those recipes that always brings back memories of cozy dinners with friends, laughter, and plenty of seconds! Plus, it takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for when you want something delicious but don’t have all night to cook. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering garlic butter sausage pasta. I love how simple yet satisfying these ingredients are!
- 8 oz spaghetti – You can totally use any pasta shape you love, but spaghetti has that lovely twirl that’s just perfect for this dish.
- 2 tbsp butter – The star of the show! It adds richness and flavor to everything.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic! It brings that amazing aroma and taste that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced – I like using sweet or spicy sausage based on my mood! It adds a hearty element to the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This makes the sauce creamy and dreamy. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but I promise the heavy cream is worth it!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best if you can manage it; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste as you go! You want that perfect balance.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – A pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious garlic butter sausage pasta! I promise, it’s super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the 8 oz of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the spaghetti but don’t rinse it—this helps the sauce cling better. Set it aside while you work on that heavenly sauce!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Oh, that sizzle! Once it’s melted and bubbling, add in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it gets fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much; we want that sweet garlicky aroma, not burnt garlic!
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Now, it’s time to add the 1 lb of sliced Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure to break up any larger pieces so it cooks evenly. Trust me, the sausage flavor is key here!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the sausage is browned, stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious. This is where the magic happens! If it seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up a bit.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Make sure every strand is enveloped in that delicious garlic butter sauce—this is what you’re going for!
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season your pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skip this part; it really brings all the flavors together! To finish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. And voilà, your garlic butter sausage pasta is ready to devour!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this garlic butter sausage pasta. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is packed with flavor and a good amount of protein, making it a filling meal that satisfies. Just be mindful of the sodium if you’re watching it—it’s worth it for that rich, buttery goodness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making garlic butter sausage pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my tried-and-true answers.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love Italian sausage for its flavor, you can totally switch it up. Try chicken sausage for a lighter option or even a spicy chorizo for a kick! Just make sure to adjust your cooking time based on the sausage you choose.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, or if you’re looking for a lighter option, use whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. Just remember, the creaminess will vary a bit, but it’ll still taste great!
How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep a lot of this dish in advance! Cook the pasta and sausage, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything in the skillet and heat it up. Easy peasy!
What can I serve with garlic butter sausage pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top for an added touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This garlic butter sausage pasta comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for those busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, butter, and savory sausage creates an incredible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze—more time for you to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Try different types of sausage or add in some veggies!
- Comfort Food: This dish is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up and satisfies your cravings with every delicious bite.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s a hit with the whole family, and kids love the creamy sauce and fun pasta twirls!
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter sausage pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish!
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: When sautéing the minced garlic, keep a close eye on it! Garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat and give it a bit more time.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to use less heavy cream or even substitute with half-and-half. Just remember, the creaminess is part of the magic, so adjust wisely!
- Season as You Go: Don’t wait until the end to add salt and pepper. Season the sausage while it cooks and taste the sauce before combining with the pasta. This helps build layers of flavor!
- Save Some Pasta Water: When you drain your spaghetti, save a cup of that starchy pasta water. If your sauce turns out too thick, adding a splash of this water can help loosen it up while keeping it creamy.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to throw in some veggies! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the garlic for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the fresh parsley for garnish! It adds a lovely brightness to the dish, making it not just delicious but visually appealing too.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up the most amazing garlic butter sausage pasta that’ll impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have this scrumptious garlic butter sausage pasta ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it for a complete meal experience! Trust me, a few simple sides can elevate your dinner to a whole new level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for mopping up that rich sauce and adds an extra layer of comfort to your meal.
- Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad is a fantastic complement. I love a simple mixed greens salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette—it brightens up the palate and balances the heaviness of the pasta.
- Roasted Veggies: Add some roasted vegetables to the table! Seasoned zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted to perfection add color and nutrition while being oh-so-delicious.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a quick and healthy side, steamed broccoli adds a lovely crunch and pairs well with the creamy pasta. Just a sprinkle of lemon juice over the top can make it even more delightful!
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve some cheesy garlic knots on the side. They’re fun to eat and are a great way to use up any leftover garlic butter!
These sides not only complement the flavors of your garlic butter sausage pasta but also make for a beautiful presentation on your dinner table. Enjoy your meal with family and friends, and watch how quickly everything disappears!
Print
Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: 30-Minute Comfort Dish!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious garlic butter sausage pasta dish that is quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer.
- Adjust garlic and sausage quantities to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: garlic butter sausage pasta
