Best Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe: Love at First Bite

Brace yourself for a culinary adventure with this marry me ditalini sausage pasta that could spark a romantic revolution in your kitchen.

Hearty Italian flavors dance together in a single skillet, creating magic with minimal effort.

Comfort meets sophistication through a delightful blend of tender pasta and rich, savory sausage.

creamy sauce coats each ditalini noodle, promising a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this luxurious or come together so effortlessly.

Home cooks and passionate food enthusiasts will adore how quickly this dish becomes a cherished favorite.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta that might just inspire a proposal.

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Details

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: Dive into a soul-warming pasta dish that combines creamy sauce, hearty sausage, and tender ditalini for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Prepare this delicious one-pan wonder in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels with red chili flakes, swap protein types, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the delicious core intact.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress dinner guests or family members with a professional-looking meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen, requiring minimal cooking skills.

Ingredients for Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, short tubular pasta that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides rich and hearty taste to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the pasta sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty and tangy element to the creamy pasta.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the sauce.
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Red Chili Flakes: Add layers of bold and spicy flavor to the dish.
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and sausage.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that adds a fresh herbal note.

Step-By-Step Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Ditalini Pasta

Cook the ditalini pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet flavor.

Step 3: Brown Sausage

Introduce Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook until the meat is completely browned and develops a rich, caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add to the skillet:
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red chili flakes

Sauté for one minute, allowing the herbs and spices to bloom and become incredibly fragrant.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir the liquids together and bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheese

Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, velvety, and completely integrated.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked ditalini pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.

Season with salt and pepper to your preferred taste.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving dishes.

Top with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful, appetizing presentation.

Tips for Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Success

  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer gently, preventing cream from separating and ensuring smooth consistency.
  • Pat pasta dry after draining to help sauce cling better and create a more cohesive dish.
  • Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Adjust red chili flakes based on personal spice tolerance, adding gradually for controlled heat.

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ditalini pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Increase red chili flakes or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat and bold flavor.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and create a tangier sauce.

Suggested Sides for Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Cozy Date Night Dinner: Perfect for a romantic evening, serve this creamy pasta in individual bowls with soft candlelight and a glass of red wine to create an intimate dining experience.
  • Rustic Family Feast: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread, making it a hearty meal that brings everyone together around the table for a delicious family dinner.
  • Italian Potluck Star: Bring this dish to a gathering in a large decorative casserole dish, sprinkled with extra fresh basil and Parmesan, guaranteed to impress friends and become the talk of the potluck.
  • Lunch Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a delightful workday lunch, keeping the pasta separate from garnishes to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.

Storage Tips for Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer pasta to a shallow container to help it cool quickly before refrigerating.
  • Avoid leaving the pasta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Ditalini pasta is ideal due to its small, short tube shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce and allows the sausage to nestle inside each piece.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey sausage or mild breakfast sausage for a different flavor profile while maintaining the recipe’s core characteristics.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red chili flakes, which can be adjusted or omitted completely based on your spice preference. Without the chili flakes, the dish remains creamy and flavorful.

  • How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers during the cooking process to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Best Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Best Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry me ditalini sausage pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with rich, hearty flavors. Creamy sauce and spicy sausage combine for a memorable dining experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare ditalini pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Introduce Italian sausage to the skillet, methodically crumbling meat into small, uniform pieces. Cook until meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
  4. Incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to activate aromatic qualities and prevent burning.
  5. Gradually pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Gently simmer the liquid, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
  6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering mixture, stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a velvety, uniform consistency.
  7. Fold cooked ditalini pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Transfer to serving dishes immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red chili flakes for personal spice preference.
  • Use low-fat alternatives like half-and-half or milk to create a lighter version of the creamy sauce.
  • Choose lean Italian sausage or plant-based sausage substitutes for healthier protein options.
  • Consider adding roasted vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 657 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star