Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Hearty Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe That Wows

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this marry me ditalini sausage pasta delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Hearty Italian sausage mingles with tender pasta in a luxurious, velvety sauce that promises to steal hearts.

creamy textures and bold flavors dance together in every single bite.

The combination of robust ingredients creates a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Rich and satisfying, this pasta proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through Italian-inspired comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering moment of this irresistible dish.

What You’ll Need for a Comforting Pasta Bowl

Main Ingredients:
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, tube-shaped pasta perfect for capturing the creamy sauce in every bite.
  • Mild Italian Ground Sausage: The protein that provides a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic base to the sauce.
  • Tomato Paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps caramelize the sauce.
  • Kosher Salt, Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the sauce's flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty element that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
  • Avocado Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing pasta from sticking.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional garnish for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

How to Make Marry Me Sausage Pasta With Ease

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the ditalini pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta completely using a colander.

Toss the pasta with a light drizzle of oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat.

Add oil and wait until it shimmers.

Crumble the mild Italian sausage into the pan.

Cook the meat, breaking it into small pieces, until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Saute Aromatics

Toss into the pan:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Stir these ingredients with the browned sausage.

Cook until the onions become translucent and release their fragrant essence.

Step 4: Caramelize Tomato Paste

Add tomato paste to the pan.

Let it cook and caramelize for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This step deepens the sauce’s flavor profile and creates a rich base.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in:
  • Kosher salt
  • Cracked black pepper

Stir and taste, adjusting the seasoning to create a perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 6: Deglaze with Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pan.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Simmer until the liquid reduces by half.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy mixture.

Step 8: Melt Cheese

Add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce.

Stir until the cheese completely melts, creating a smooth, silky texture.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked ditalini to the creamy sauce.

Gently toss until every pasta piece is gloriously coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit more chicken broth to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

For those who love a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.

Transfer to serving dishes and prepare to be the culinary hero of the evening.

This pasta has the power to make someone fall head over heels in love with your cooking!

Tips for Saucy, Flavorful Results Every Time

  • Drizzle avocado oil over drained pasta to keep noodles from sticking together and maintain a smooth texture.
  • Caramelize tomato paste for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, intense taste that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect creamy coating for the pasta.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes to adjust spiciness according to personal preference, making the dish adaptable for different palates.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually while cooking to build layers of flavor and achieve a perfectly balanced dish.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Pasta Without Drying Out

  • Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
  • Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces for extended periods, as they may separate when thawed.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce's consistency. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Great Companions to This Hearty Pasta

  • Elevate Sausage Pasta Harmony: Perfect Pairings
  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the pasta's richness and refresh the palate with its zesty undertones.
  • Fresh Green Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to provide a tangy, crisp contrast against the creamy, hearty pasta.
  • Roasted Vegetable Side Kick: Prepare garlic-roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to add a caramelized, earthy dimension that complements the sausage's savory profile.
  • Rustic Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia bread to soak up the delectable sauce, offering a textural counterpoint and additional flavor absorption.

Ways to Add a Twist to the Creamy Base

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap traditional ditalini with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the recipe's creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb version that keeps the delicious sausage and cream sauce intact.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version that's equally rich and satisfying.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled mushrooms to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the creamy pasta dish.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is ideal due to its small, tube-like shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce and allows the sausage to nestle inside each piece, creating a delightful bite every time.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While mild Italian ground sausage is recommended, you can substitute with spicy Italian sausage for extra heat or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Just ensure the meat is well-browned and crumbled.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish. This allows everyone to customize the spice level to their preference.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce becomes too dense, simply add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. The key is to stir continuously and adjust the consistency as you combine the pasta with the sauce.

What Makes This Ditalini Sausage Pasta So Creamy

  • Easy-to-Master Culinary Delight
  • This recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels, offering a straightforward method that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without intimidating techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Champion
  • Packed with rich, creamy flavors and hearty sausage, this pasta dish guarantees smiles around the table, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Swift Weeknight Meal Solution
  • Requiring minimal preparation and cooking steps, this one-pan wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, solving the eternal question of what to cook when time is short.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure
  • Flexible recipe allows personal tweaks like adding red pepper flakes for heat or experimenting with different cheese variations, ensuring each cook can make the dish uniquely their own.
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Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta delivers comfort and passion in one irresistible dish. Hearty Italian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, promising to enchant dinner guests with its rich, satisfying blend of creamy sauce and savory sausage.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) ditalini pasta
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mild Italian ground sausage
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (80 grams) sweet onion, diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 tablespoons (22 milliliters) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Oils, Salt, and Optional Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) avocado oil
  • Pinch kosher salt, to taste
  • Few turns cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water to 212°F. Cook ditalini pasta until al dente according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and toss with a light drizzle of avocado oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat a saute pan over medium-high temperature. Add avocado oil and introduce ground Italian sausage. Break meat into small crumbles, cooking until golden brown and fully caramelized, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the sausage. Saute until onions become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize for 2-3 minutes. This process intensifies the sauce’s depth and creates a rich flavor foundation.
  5. Season the mixture with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
  6. Deglaze the pan with low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until liquid reduces by half, concentrating the sauce’s intensity.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently blend in heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety in texture.
  8. Gradually incorporate grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
  9. Combine cooked ditalini with the creamy sauce, tossing to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated. If sauce seems too thick, thin with additional chicken broth.
  10. Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for optional heat. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and sauce is creamy.

Notes

  • Prevent Pasta Clumping by lightly coating ditalini with avocado oil immediately after draining to ensure each piece remains separate and sauce-ready.
  • Customize Spice Levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or selecting mild/hot Italian sausage to match personal heat preferences without compromising flavor complexity.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation can be achieved by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a similar creamy, rich texture.
  • Meal Prep Friendly recipe allows storing in airtight containers for 3-4 days, with potential reheating using a splash of chicken broth to restore original sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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