There’s nothing better than a quick and comforting pasta dish on a busy night.
This garlic butter sausage pasta is packed with bold flavors, thanks to the perfect blend of smoky sausage, aromatic garlic, and a luscious buttery sauce.
It’s an incredibly easy to make dish, and the best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.
The combination of savory sausage, rich garlic butter, and tender pasta creates a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Rich & Flavorful – The garlic butter sauce enhances the smoky sausage.
- Customizable – Use different types of sausage and pasta to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Sausage – Smoked, Italian, or spicy sausage works well.
- Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are great options.
- Butter – Unsalted butter for a rich and creamy sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
- Olive Oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning.
- Seasonings – Red pepper flakes, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Optional Add-Ins – Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra depth.
How to Make Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Return the sausage to the pan and mix well.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
- Use High-Quality Sausage – A well-seasoned sausage enhances the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic – Keep it fragrant but not burnt.
- Adjust Spice Level – Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Make It Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Pair this pasta with simple sides to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad adds balance.
- Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers make great pairings.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, but avoid freezing if using a creamy sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Vegetarian – Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Cheesy Twist – Add shredded mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use smoked sausage, Italian sausage, or even a spicy sausage for extra heat. Chicken or turkey sausage works well for a leaner option.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For a creamy version, add ¼ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese when mixing the pasta with the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and sausage in advance, then reheat everything with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta (30-Minutes)
Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta is a quick and easy meal bursting with rich flavors from smoky sausage, buttery garlic sauce, and parmesan cheese.With a 30-minute cook time, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s easy to customize with different pasta and add-ins.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces smoked or Italian sausage sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the butter.
- Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Return the sausage to the pan and mix well.
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.