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 flavorsāsavory 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 itās bursting with flavor, and the pasta, with its bite-sized shape, soaks up all that creamy goodness, making it utterly irresistible.
And donāt get me started on the aromas that fill your kitchen while this dish comes together. Itās like the scent of homeācomforting, 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. Itās a scent thatāll make everyone around the table eager to dive in, and trust me, once they do, they wonāt be able to resist going back for more.
Thereās something about this dish that just feels special, donāt 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, itās the kind of dish that might make your loved ones ask for it again and again. Letās just say, you might be hearing a lot of āMarry 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. Letās dive into the key players that make this creamy pasta so irresistible:
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil is used to sautƩ 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 pastaās 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 dishās 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 thatās 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 sautƩ 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 sautƩ 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: Donāt let a single drop of that heavenly sauce go to waste! Serve your creamy pasta with some warm, crusty bread on the side. Whether itās a rustic baguette or soft ciabatta, itās 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. Itās the kind of drink that elevates the meal, making it feel like a special occasion, even on a cozy weeknight.
Letās be honestāwhatever you choose to serve with this creamy pasta, itās going to be a hit!
How to Store Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers (and trust me, youāll want to), storing this creamy pasta is a breeze. To keep it fresh and flavorful, simply transfer the pasta to an airtight container once itās 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 youāre 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. Youāll be treating yourself to a comforting, delicious meal without much effort!
Conclusion
Well, there you have itāCreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta, a dish thatās 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 thatās 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, itās the kind of meal that makes everyone feel special.
I hope youāre as excited as I am to give this recipe a try! Donāt forget, this pasta is perfect for leftovers tooāif thereās any left, that is. But if you do have extras, I promise theyāll be just as tasty the next day.
If you make it, Iād 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. Iām always here to help, and I canāt wait to hear how your kitchen adventures go!

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
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 bestāguaranteed to make anyone fall in love!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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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.
-
Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.
-
Add 1 small diced onion to the skillet and sautƩ it in the sausage drippings over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sautƩ for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
-
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.
-
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
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Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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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.
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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.
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Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
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Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until evenly distributed.
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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.
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Finish by stirring in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is silky.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
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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.