There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta filling your kitchen. This dish is a decadent mix of tender pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy, flavor-packed sauce that’ll have everyone swooning at the table.
The first time I made this recipe, it was for a date night at home, and it completely lived up to its name. It's become a go-to in my household, and I love how quick, easy, and absolutely delicious it is. Let me show you why this pasta might just become your new favorite too.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible pasta recipe. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and simple, making it a hit for any occasion.
First and foremost, this dish is incredibly quick and easy. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a gourmet-quality dinner on the table—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
The flavor combination is what really makes this pasta shine. The smoky, savory sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and tender ditalini pasta. Add in a few herbs and spices, and it’s like a hug in every bite.
This recipe is also versatile and customizable. You can easily switch up the protein, swap out the pasta shape, or tweak the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
And finally, it’s a dish that impresses. Whether you’re serving it to guests or keeping it all to yourself, this pasta has that “wow” factor that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Now that you’re sold, let’s dive into the details, starting with the ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture.
Ditalini pasta is the foundation of this recipe. Its small, tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy goodness. You can substitute other short pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells, but ditalini is the classic choice here.
Italian sausage is the star of the dish, bringing bold, savory flavors to the sauce. I recommend using mild or spicy sausage, depending on your heat preference. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey sausage works just as well.
The creamy sauce starts with heavy cream and chicken broth. This combination creates a rich, silky base that clings to the pasta. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative.
Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy pop of flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. Use the oil-packed variety for maximum flavor, and chop them finely to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
A blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs rounds out the sauce, adding depth and a touch of nuttiness. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a more vibrant flavor, so it’s worth the extra effort.
Lastly, you’ll need a good-quality skillet to bring everything together seamlessly. A large, non-stick or stainless-steel pan is perfect for cooking the sausage and simmering the sauce.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Creating this mouthwatering 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 cooking the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to generously salt the water—it’s your first chance to season the pasta. Once cooked, drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Let it brown evenly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting their flavors infuse the oil for another minute.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all those flavorful drippings into the sauce.
Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, followed by a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, along with the ditalini pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Storage Options
This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
To refrigerate, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
If you’d like to freeze this dish, cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the sausage for ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Add in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano, for a unique twist.
No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to fall in love with every creamy, flavorful bite!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe
Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta combines tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce for an irresistible, hearty dish.
- 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
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick or mild sausage for a balanced flavor.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
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