Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Italian Sausage Bites
A comforting pasta dish featuring ditalini coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce and paired with golden-seared Italian sausage bites. Rich, satisfying, and easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
- Author: Djihane
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
- 8 oz ditalini or elbow pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links, casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, roll sausage meat into small bite-sized balls.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage bites and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Plate the pasta and top or serve alongside the sausage bites.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or mild for a kid-friendly version.
- Ditalini can be substituted with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta.
- Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: creamy Parmesan pasta, Italian sausage pasta, comfort food, easy pasta dinner, sausage and cream sauce