Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

This dish marries the bold, comforting flavors of Italian sausage and creamy pasta. Perfectly cooked ditalini is enveloped in a velvety cream sauce, accented with caramelized tomato paste for a rich, robust flavor. It’s the ideal recipe to impress your loved ones or elevate your weeknight dinners. You’ll love the ease of preparation and how quickly it comes together—just 35 minutes!

---

Save itSave it

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Packed with Flavor: Italian sausage, cream, and Parmesan combine for a decadent, irresistible dish.
• Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or a romantic evening meal.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot: For boiling pasta.
• Nonstick sauté pan: To cook the sausage and sauce.
• Colander: For draining pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping onion and garlic.

Preparation Tips

1. Grate Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and enhances the flavor.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta doesn’t overcook when mixed with the sauce.
3. Prep Ingredients Before Starting: Chop, measure, and organize everything for a seamless cooking process.

---

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces ditalini pasta, cooked al dente
• 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil

For the Sauce:

• 8 ounces mild Italian ground sausage
• ½ cup sweet onion, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
• Pinch of kosher salt, to taste
• Few turns of cracked black pepper, to taste
• ½–¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ¾–1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Optional Garnish:

• Red pepper flakes

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with kosher salt.
• Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain using a colander, drizzle with avocado oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

---

2. Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

• Heat a nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the mild Italian ground sausage. Sauté until golden brown.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

---

3. Caramelize the Tomato Paste

• Stir in the tomato paste and let it caramelize for 2–3 minutes. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
• Season with a pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper.

---

4. Deglaze and Make the Sauce

• Deglaze the pan by adding the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir and let the broth reduce by half.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to create a creamy base.

---

5. Incorporate Cheese and Pasta

• Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until it melts completely.
• Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated.

---

6. Adjust Consistency

• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it without diluting the flavor.

---

7. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, if desired.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

---

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to reconstitute the sauce. Use a stovetop or microwave to heat gently.
• Cheese Substitution: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

---

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is best served fresh and warm. Pair it with complementary dishes to enhance the meal:

1. Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing balance the richness.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus: Adds a healthy, fresh touch to the meal.
4. Caprese Salad: Light and refreshing, with mozzarella and tomatoes.
5. Parmesan Zucchini Fries: A crispy, cheesy side that’s great for dipping.
6. Bruschetta: A flavorful starter to complement the creamy pasta.
7. Minestrone Soup: Warm and hearty, a great starter before the pasta.
8. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Adds a bright, citrusy element.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta

• Always cook pasta to al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

1. Skipping the Tomato Paste Caramelization

• This step deepens the flavor, adding a slight sweetness and richness.

1. Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan Cheese

• Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect the sauce’s texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.

1. Neglecting to Season the Pasta Water

• Salted water enhances the flavor of the pasta itself, ensuring a well-balanced dish.

1. Overcrowding the Pan When Cooking Sausage

• Cook in a single layer for even browning, which enhances the flavor of the meat.

---

How to Perfect the Recipe

• Control the Sauce Consistency
• If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with small splashes of chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Spice Level Customization
• Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for more heat.
• Ingredient Substitutions
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Enhance Presentation
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

---

Recipe Tips

• Cheese Substitution: For a sharper, saltier taste, swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano.
• Boosting Flavor: Add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for added depth.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.

---

Storage and Reheating

• Storage Tips
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.
• Reheating Instructions
• On the stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a pan and gently warm the pasta over medium heat, stirring frequently.
• In the microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, add a small splash of broth or water, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Pro Tip: When reheating, reconstitute the sauce with a little liquid to restore its creamy texture.

---

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

• Yes! Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni works well with this sauce.

2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. What can I use instead of Italian sausage?

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage as a substitute.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Cook and mix the pasta with the sauce just before serving.

5. How do I add more vegetables?

• Stir in sautéed spinach, kale, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

6. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

• Use a dairy-free cream alternative and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture.

7. What should I do if my sauce becomes too thick?

• Add small amounts of chicken broth or pasta water while stirring until the desired consistency is achieved.

8. How can I spice it up?

• Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for more heat.

---

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Its creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender ditalini pasta makes it a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for loved ones, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a complete, satisfying meal. Store any leftovers for a convenient next-day lunch—though we doubt there will be any left!

---