Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Recipe is one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. The rich flavors of savory sausage in a garlic butter tomato sauce will warm your heart and fill your home with delightful aromas. Plus, it comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.

I adore this recipe not just for its taste but also for how easy it is to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or just treating yourself, this pasta dish never disappoints. Grab your favorite pasta shape, and let’s dive into this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 65 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: With its hearty flavors and comforting textures, everyone at the table will want seconds.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic butter and Italian sausage creates a mouthwatering sauce that you’ll crave again and again.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time, making weeknight meals even easier!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta. You might already have many of these staples in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (8 cloves total)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry apple vinegar (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)

For the Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or use up what you have in your kitchen.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers while sautéing the onions for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned—about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, remove it from the skillet but leave that flavorful rendered fat behind; we want that richness in our sauce!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion. Cook it until softened—around 5 minutes—this step helps bring out their natural sweetness. Next, add minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing by now!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce along with dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple vinegar (if using). Give everything a good stir to combine! Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer; then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers away happily on the stove, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for our final dish!

Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Bliss

In another skillet over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Add in more minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant—garlic butter adds such depth!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your cooked pasta into the garlic butter skillet and toss until well coated. If you find it too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water as needed. Gently fold in that rich sausage sauce we made earlier so every piece of pasta gets enveloped in flavor. Finish off by stirring in fresh parsley.

Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit more kick! Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal—it truly warms both heart and soul!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Creating a delicious Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta dish is all about the little details that make a big difference! Here are some helpful tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• Use high-quality sausage: Choosing a good-grade Italian sausage can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. The quality of the meat and spices will shine through, making your pasta irresistibly tasty.

• Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing your sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes (or longer) helps develop deeper flavors. This slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty sauce.

• Reserve pasta water: Always save a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is essential for adjusting the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Before serving, don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning. Each ingredient can vary in strength, so adding salt and pepper at the end ensures balanced flavors.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix in other fresh herbs or spices based on your preference. Fresh basil, oregano, or even a sprinkle of thyme can add delightful notes to your dish!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Presentation matters when serving this comforting dish! Here are some ideas on how to elegantly serve your Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta:

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Offering grated Parmesan cheese at the table allows everyone to customize their own serving with this classic topping.
• Red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, providing extra red pepper flakes gives diners the option to spice things up!

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s simple yet an indulgent addition to your meal.
• Caesar salad: A crisp Caesar salad brings a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the pasta. The creamy dressing pairs well with the savory flavors.
• Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add vibrant colors and nutrients without overshadowing the main dish.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots enhances their natural sweetness and provides a delightful contrast to your hearty pasta.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress friends and family with your homemade Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for a busy week. You can easily store leftovers or even freeze batches for future meals!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• When storing, consider keeping the sauce separate from the pasta to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Freezing

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the cooled pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy reference!

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring often until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that retains all the flavor.

What makes Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta: A Simple & Delicious Recipe so special?

The combination of garlic butter and savory sausage creates a rich flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying, perfect for any night of the week.

How long does Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this dish can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth to your table, whether it’s a quiet family dinner or a gathering with friends. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite herbs or spices. Happy cooking!