Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta

This garlic butter sausage pasta has become my weeknight salvation when I need to put something delicious on the table with minimal effort. The combination of juicy turkey sausage bites and creamy Parmesan pasta creates a restaurant-quality dish that's ready in just 30 minutes.

I first created this dish when my brother dropped by unexpectedly for dinner. With just pantry staples and some turkey sausage from the freezer, I whipped up what has now become our family's most requested meal. Even my picky nephew asks for seconds every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb turkey sausage: cut into bites, delivers lean protein with fantastic flavor while being lighter than traditional pork sausage
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: for the sausage, creates a rich garlic butter that coats every bite with delicious flavor
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: adds aromatic depth, look for firm bulbs with tight skin for the freshest flavor
• 1 tsp dried thyme: provides earthy notes that complement the sausage perfectly
• 8 oz pasta of choice: carries the creamy sauce beautifully, choose a shape with ridges to trap more sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: for the pasta sauce, forms the foundation of the creamy Parmesan sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: for the pasta sauce, infuses the cream with gentle garlic flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream: creates a luxurious silky sauce, choose high-quality cream for best results
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds salty, nutty richness, grate it fresh for optimal melting and flavor
• Fresh parsley, chopped: brightens the rich dish with color and fresh flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste: allows you to adjust seasoning to your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, which can help thin the sauce if needed later. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Brown the Sausage:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and started to foam slightly, add the turkey sausage pieces. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until they develop a golden crust on one side, then stir and continue cooking until browned all over—approximately 5 to 7 minutes total. The sausage should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Create the Garlic Base:

Return the same skillet to medium heat, maintaining all those flavorful browned bits from the sausage. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the remaining butter in the pan. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and just barely golden—not brown, which would make it bitter. This aromatic base will infuse the entire sauce with flavor.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and thyme. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer—not a full boil, which could cause the cream to separate. Once simmering, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that Parmesan is already quite salty. Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Combine Everything:

Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the pasta until every strand is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Return the browned sausage pieces to the skillet and fold them throughout the pasta, ensuring they're evenly distributed and rewarmed in the sauce.

Garnish and Serve:

Just before serving, sprinkle the dish generously with freshly chopped parsley, which adds brightness both in flavor and appearance. For an extra touch of richness, you can add an additional small handful of freshly grated Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately in warmed bowls to maintain the perfect creamy consistency.

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The garlic butter is truly the secret star of this dish. I discovered that letting the garlic infuse the butter slowly over medium-low heat creates an incredible depth of flavor without any bitterness. My grandmother always said cooking garlic is like walking a tightrope—too little heat and you miss the magic, too much and it turns bitter. Finding that perfect golden moment transforms this simple dish into something special.

Pasta Recommendations

While this recipe works beautifully with any pasta, certain shapes truly excel at holding onto the creamy sauce. Ridged pasta like rigatoni or penne capture the sauce in their grooves, creating perfect little pockets of flavor. Twisted shapes like fusilli or rotini wrap the sauce around their spirals for consistent flavor in every bite. For a more elegant presentation, I often use fettuccine or linguine when serving this to guests—the long strands become beautifully coated, creating a sophisticated look with minimal effort.

Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a wonderful template that can be easily adapted to your preferences or what you have on hand. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage or even roasted mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat. For a lighter version, turkey or chicken sausage works perfectly, while traditional Italian pork sausage offers a richer, more indulgent flavor. The herbs can be swapped according to your taste—rosemary offers a piney fragrance, oregano brings Mediterranean notes, or fresh basil added at the end provides a sweet aromatic finish. Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to incorporate more nutrients into this comforting meal.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty pasta dish pairs wonderfully with lighter sides that balance its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a peppery contrast that cuts through the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. For wine lovers, this dish matches beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay that can stand up to the creaminess while complementing the garlic and herbs. If you prefer red wine, a medium-bodied Sangiovese or Chianti works well without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute turkey sausage with chicken, pork, or plant-based sausage for a different flavor or dietary needs.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta works well, but short varieties like penne or rigatoni, or long noodles like spaghetti, are excellent choices.

→ Can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk while retaining creaminess.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.

→ What herbs can I use instead of thyme?

Basil, oregano, or rosemary can be great substitutes for thyme, offering varied flavor profiles.