Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
A creamy, tangy twist on your favorite summer drink—light, fluffy, and bursting with vibrant pink lemonade flavor in every bite!
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The creamy sauce that wraps around each piece of ditalini pasta in this dish is nothing short of heavenly. As it simmers, the heavy cream melds beautifully with the sausage, creating a rich and comforting texture that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The key to this luscious sauce is the perfect balance of flavors—savory sausage, a hint of garlic, and a subtle touch of Parmesan that melts into the sauce, adding just the right amount of umami. Every bite feels like it’s bursting with flavor, and the pasta, with its bite-sized shape, soaks up all that creamy goodness, making it utterly irresistible.

And don’t get me started on the aromas that fill your kitchen while this dish comes together. It’s like the scent of home—comforting, warm, and just inviting enough to make you want to linger around the stove. As the sausage browns, it releases a smoky, savory fragrance, while the cream and cheese meld together in a silky, aromatic cloud. It’s a scent that’ll make everyone around the table eager to dive in, and trust me, once they do, they won’t be able to resist going back for more.

There’s something about this dish that just feels special, don’t you think? It’s not fussy or complicated, but the flavors work together in a way that makes it feel like a real treat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough for a dinner party, this pasta feels like a cozy celebration in every bite. And, just between us, it’s the kind of dish that might make your loved ones ask for it again and again. Let’s just say, you might be hearing a lot of ā€œMarry Me!ā€ in your kitchen.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Every great recipe starts with the right ingredients, and this dish is no exception. Each element plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the key players that make this creamy pasta so irresistible:

  • Olive oil: A touch of olive oil is used to sautĆ© the sausage and vegetables, providing a subtle fruity richness to the base of the sauce.
  • Italian sausage, ground: The star of the show. Its savory, slightly spicy flavor infuses the sauce, giving it a hearty depth and warmth.
  • Onion, diced: The onion adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a solid foundation for the savory sausage and the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic, minced: Garlic is the aromatic powerhouse of this dish, bringing a bold, savory kick that makes the sauce sing with flavor.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: A small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish just the right amount of heat, balancing the richness of the cream and sausage.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps bring everything together.
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle, earthy warmth that complements the richness of the sausage and cream.
  • Chicken broth: This helps to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful base for the sauce, infusing the pasta with a savory, rich liquid.
  • Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, silky sauce. It brings all the flavors together and creates a smooth, indulgent texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan adds that signature umami flavor, melting perfectly into the cream to enhance the richness of the sauce.
  • Fresh basil, chopped: Fresh basil brings a burst of herbaceous brightness, cutting through the richness of the cream and adding a touch of freshness.
  • Ditalini pasta: The pasta’s small, bite-sized shape is perfect for capturing all that creamy sauce, making every bite packed with flavor.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that deepens the dish’s complexity and provides a pop of color.
  • Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce, making it extra luxurious and smooth.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both simple and indulgent, with each one playing its part to build the layers of flavor that make this creamy pasta unforgettable.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Step 2: Add 1 pound of ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Step 3: Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.
  • Step 4: Add 1 small diced onion to the skillet and sautĆ© it in the sausage drippings over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Step 5: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sautĆ© for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 6: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly mixed.
  • Step 7: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
  • Step 8: Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  • Step 9: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Step 10: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Step 11: While the sauce simmers, cook 8 ounces of ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  • Step 12: Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Step 13: Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
  • Step 14: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until evenly distributed.
  • Step 15: Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
  • Step 16: Finish by stirring in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is silky.
  • Step 17: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  • Step 18: Serve the creamy sausage pasta warm, garnished with extra fresh basil or Parmesan, if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Pair with a Crisp Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad is the perfect counterbalance to the richness of this pasta. Think peppery arugula, mixed greens, or a simple spinach salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It adds just the right amount of freshness and crunch to each bite of creamy goodness.
  • Crusty Bread for Sopping Up the Sauce: Don’t let a single drop of that heavenly sauce go to waste! Serve your creamy pasta with some warm, crusty bread on the side. Whether it’s a rustic baguette or soft ciabatta, it’s perfect for dipping and wiping up every last bit of deliciousness.
  • A Glass of White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the rich creaminess of the dish without overpowering the flavors. It’s the kind of drink that elevates the meal, making it feel like a special occasion, even on a cozy weeknight.

Let’s be honest—whatever you choose to serve with this creamy pasta, it’s going to be a hit!

How to Store Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

If you find yourself with leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want to), storing this creamy pasta is a breeze. To keep it fresh and flavorful, simply transfer the pasta to an airtight container once it’s cooled down to room temperature. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or separating.

For the best results, store the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little bit of cream to loosen it up if needed. The flavors will have melded together even more, making it just as delicious as the first time.

Now, if you’re planning to keep it for a longer period of time, you can freeze the pasta. Just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it with a bit of extra cream or broth to bring it back to its creamy glory. You’ll be treating yourself to a comforting, delicious meal without much effort!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta, a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious! From the rich, silky sauce to the savory sausage and those perfect little ditalini noodles, this recipe is one that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy night in or serving it to impress at a dinner party, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel special.

I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this recipe a try! Don’t forget, this pasta is perfect for leftovers too—if there’s any left, that is. But if you do have extras, I promise they’ll be just as tasty the next day.

If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts, or let me know if you have any questions while making it. I’m always here to help, and I can’t wait to hear how your kitchen adventures go!

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins
Calories: 600

Description

This creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a cozy, heartwarming dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with rich, velvety sauce, zesty sausage, and a hint of garlic and herbs. It's comfort food at its best—guaranteed to make anyone fall in love!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.
  4. Add 1 small diced onion to the skillet and sautƩ it in the sausage drippings over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sautƩ for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly mixed.
  7. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
  8. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
  9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  10. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
  11. While the sauce simmers, cook 8 ounces of ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
  12. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  13. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
  14. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until evenly distributed.
  15. Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
  16. Finish by stirring in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is silky.
  17. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  18. Serve the creamy sausage pasta warm, garnished with extra fresh basil or Parmesan, if desired.

Note

  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, but dried basil works in a pinch.
Keywords: creamy sausage pasta recipe, marry me ditalini pasta, easy sausage pasta dish, creamy pasta with sausage, ditalini sausage pasta recipe

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?

Yes, you can substitute ditalini with any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.

Is it necessary to use Italian sausage, or can I use a different type of sausage?

While Italian sausage adds traditional flavors to the dish, you can use any type of sausage you like, such as chicken sausage or turkey sausage.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, you can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This creamy sausage pasta dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before mixing it with freshly cooked pasta.

How should I store any leftovers of this dish?

Store any leftovers of the creamy sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Daniel Carter

Daniel Carter

Hi, I'm Daniel Carter, founder of My Food Plans and your personal meal planning coach! After spending years struggling with the nightly "what's for dinner" dilemma while trying to eat healthily and stick to a budget.

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