Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Dreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe That Wows

Crafting a marry me ditalini pasta promises to spark culinary romance in your kitchen.

Comfort meets excitement with this irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

Short ditalini noodles cuddle perfectly with savory sausage in a luscious cream sauce.

Hearty ingredients mingle like old friends, creating a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Each bite whispers sweet promises of deliciousness that will make anyone fall head over heels.

Simple techniques and readily available components ensure anyone can master this crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta so magical it might just inspire a proposal.

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Essentials

  • Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with its perfectly crispy pork chops and rich, creamy bacon gravy.
  • Mastery Made Simple: Navigate this recipe with ease, even if you're not a culinary expert. The step-by-step instructions guide you to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: Experience a symphony of tastes with the perfectly seasoned flour coating and the indulgent bacon gravy that transforms ordinary pork chops into an extraordinary dining experience.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize flavor by using the same skillet for frying pork chops and creating the decadent bacon gravy, making this recipe a convenient and delicious meal solution.

Ingredients For Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

For the Pasta:
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, tube-shaped pasta that perfectly catches the creamy sauce and sausage.
For the Proteins:
  • Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and meaty texture to the pasta dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a deep, layered flavor base for the creamy sauce.
For the Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Optional garnish that adds a soft, melty texture.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute a sweet and tangy depth to the pasta.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a subtle heat and spicy kick.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that add a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh herb note as a garnish.
For the Cooking Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth base to the cooking process.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

How To Prepare Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Ditalini Pasta

Cook the ditalini pasta in a pot of salted water following the package directions until it reaches al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta and set it aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook thoroughly, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns.

Ensure the meat is fully cooked and has a nice golden color.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add the following ingredients to the skillet:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes

Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its aromatic oils.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir the liquids together, blending them smoothly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the liquid slightly reduce.

Step 5: Build Sauce Complexity

Incorporate into the simmering sauce:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning

Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet.

Gently toss the pasta, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. If desired, top with:
  • Fresh chopped basil
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm and the sauce is at its creamiest.

Expert Notes For Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Remove excess oil from sausage by patting with paper towels to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner sauce texture.
  • Swap Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian diets, ensuring similar spice levels for authentic flavor.
  • Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer taste, grating fresh blocks instead of pre-packaged versions for maximum creaminess.
  • Control sauce consistency by adjusting chicken broth and cream quantities, allowing thicker or lighter sauce based on preference.
  • Add fresh spinach or arugula during final cooking stage for extra nutrition and vibrant green color contrast in the pasta dish.

Flavor Options For Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Spicy Southwest Sausage Pasta: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo, swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted green chiles, and add a dash of cumin for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Version: Substitute sausage with chickpeas, incorporate spinach and artichoke hearts, use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
  • Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Add sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake and cremini, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and sprinkle truffle oil for an earthy, gourmet touch.
  • Seafood Fusion Pasta: Replace sausage with shrimp or crab meat, use white wine cream sauce, add lemon zest and fresh dill for a bright, oceanic version of the original recipe.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Cozy Date Night Delight: Transform this pasta into a romantic dinner for two, setting the table with soft candlelight and a crisp white wine. The creamy sauce and tender sausage create an intimate meal perfect for impressing your special someone.
  • Rustic Potluck Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to family gatherings or friend meetups. Pack it in a large serving dish, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, and watch everyone dive in for seconds. Its hearty flavors will make you the star of any potluck.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Portion this pasta into meal prep containers for easy lunches during the week. The sauce keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors actually improve after a day, making it a smart choice for busy professionals wanting delicious, home-cooked meals.

Storing Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring the sauce doesn't separate.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slowly in a skillet, stirring occasionally and adding extra liquid if needed to maintain sauce texture.

FAQs

  • What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is ideal, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like small shells or elbow macaroni that hold creamy sauce well.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of Italian sausage?

Ground beef or ground turkey can be good alternatives if you want to change the protein while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or eliminate them if you prefer a milder dish or have low spice tolerance.

  • How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use regular cream instead of heavy cream, opt for less expensive cheese, and buy sausage when it’s on sale to reduce overall recipe cost.

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Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Marry me ditalini sausage pasta brings comfort and richness to Italian-inspired cuisine. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a delightful meal you will savor with each satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 12 oz ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook ditalini pasta until perfectly tender, about 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then crumble Italian sausage and cook until deep golden brown and completely separated.
  3. Introduce minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage, sautéing for 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth, unified sauce. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
  6. Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Transfer to serving dishes and top with torn fresh basil leaves and melted mozzarella cheese for an indulgent finish. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Maximize pasta texture by cooking al dente, ensuring a slight firmness that prevents mushiness when mixed with sauce.
  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage with good fat content for richer flavor and more authentic taste profile.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to control their comfort zone.
  • Transform into vegetarian version by substituting sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for similar umami depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 509 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 567 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 84 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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