Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, velvety taste of Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta to turn an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. This recipe combines tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, and a luscious cream sauce infused with just the right blend of spices to make every bite irresistible.

this Recipe

I first discovered this dish when experimenting with pantry staples and it quickly became a favorite in our household. Not only is it indulgent and delicious, but it's also quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknights or even special occasions. Ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta recipe? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Get ready for a recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor.

First, this pasta dish is incredibly simple to make. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast.

Second, the combination of ingredients creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly al dente ditalini pasta work together to create a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses affordable, everyday ingredients like pasta, sausage, and cream, so you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, it's versatile. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family's preferences or make use of what you already have on hand. Picky eaters or adventurous foodies alike will adore this dish.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but the quality of the ingredients makes all the difference.

Ditalini pasta is the star here. These small, tubular shapes are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. While you could substitute another short pasta like elbow macaroni, ditalini truly shines in this recipe.

Sausage is the savory backbone of this dish. I recommend using Italian sausage for its robust seasoning. You can choose spicy or mild depending on your heat tolerance, or even mix the two for the best of both worlds.

Heavy cream forms the base of the rich sauce. It adds that signature silky texture, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even a combination of cream and milk.

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty finish to the dish. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan if possible—it melts beautifully into the sauce and adds depth of flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes give the dish a subtle sweetness and tang that balances out the richness of the cream and sausage. If you don’t have them, a few chopped fresh tomatoes can work in a pinch.

You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, onion, and chicken broth to round out the dish. No special equipment is required beyond a pot for the pasta and a skillet for 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 steps and you'll have a meal that’s sure to impress.

Start by cooking your ditalini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook it until just al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of your sauce.

Deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften slightly in the broth.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, along with a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Finally, toss the drained ditalini pasta into the skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Cook for another minute or two, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage Options

This pasta is so delicious, you might not have leftovers—but if you do, it stores beautifully.

To refrigerate, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture.

For freezing, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Love a little heat? Use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

You can also experiment with the cheese—try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor or add a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Don’t have ditalini pasta? Substitute with another short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even orzo.

This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s earned such a romantic name—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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