There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty pasta dish, especially when it’s creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a dinner that's sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. The tender ditalini pasta pairs perfectly with savory sausage and a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
I discovered this recipe while searching for a quick and easy meal to impress my family, and it didn’t disappoint. With its robust flavors and creamy texture, it quickly became a household favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try for any pasta lover.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this pasta recipe. It’s not just delicious – it’s a weeknight dinner miracle waiting to happen.
First, this dish is incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when time is short but appetites are big.
Second, it’s bursting with flavor. The combination of savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy sauce creates a flavor profile that’s rich, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.
It’s also versatile and family-friendly. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or adventurous eaters, this pasta adapts beautifully to different tastes. You can easily swap ingredients to suit what you have on hand.
Lastly, it’s a one-pan wonder. While the pasta boils, you can prepare the sauce in the same skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each element adds a unique touch to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ditalini pasta is the foundation of this dish. These small, tube-shaped pasta pieces cook quickly and hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Italian sausage brings a savory, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Feel free to choose mild or hot sausage depending on your preference.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish. They’re a must-have ingredient for that “marry me” flavor profile.
Heavy cream forms the base of the luscious sauce, giving it that velvety texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the richness of heavy cream is hard to beat.
Parmesan cheese ties everything together with its nutty, salty flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan works best here for maximum flavor.
For this recipe, you’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to round out the flavors.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Creating this delicious pasta dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your ditalini pasta until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid helps to thicken the sauce later.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them soften slightly, releasing their tangy aroma.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the pasta simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores wonderfully for future meals.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken as it chills, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
For freezing, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cream sauce to separate.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, making it easy to customize to your liking.
Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative for a lighter or meat-free option.
For an extra burst of veggies, toss in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms. They add both flavor and nutrients to the dish.
Not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes? Try roasted red peppers instead. They bring a smoky sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe!
This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a surefire way to bring smiles to the dinner table. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Ready to fall in love? Grab your ingredients and start cooking!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe
Indulge in this creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta recipe! Packed with savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, this hearty meal is perfect for dinner. A quick and easy pasta dish that's irresistibly delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook ditalini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and extra parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more spice.
- Substitute ditalini with penne or another short pasta if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
Leave a Reply