Preparation:

Step 1: Start by boiling water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt enhances the pasta’s flavor, so don’t skip this step. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice. Fettuccine and penne both work beautifully in this dish, but feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. When finished, drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water to use later if needed. This starchy water can help thicken or loosen your sauce.

Step 2: While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat it evenly. The key to achieving that deep, rich flavor in your sausage bites is to get the butter just hot enough before adding the garlic. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant and lightly golden, but not browned, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish’s overall taste.

Step 3: Now it’s time to add the sausage. Place the sliced smoked sausage in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and heated through. The edges will get that delightful crispness that adds texture to the dish. As the sausage cooks, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning will blend beautifully with the garlic and butter, enhancing the overall flavor of the sausage.

Step 4: Once your sausage is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. As the cream warms, add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help to achieve the perfect consistency while maintaining a rich flavor.

Step 5: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sausage mixture until everything is well coated. This is where the magic happens! As the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce, it becomes a delightful companion to the garlic butter sausage bites. Once everything is combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, serve hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.