Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

The Perfect Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe For Love

My latest comfort food obsession, this creamy marry me ditalini sausage pasta, promises to steal your heart with its irresistible blend of flavors.

Rich Italian sausage mingles perfectly with tender pasta shells.

Cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats every single bite.

Warm and inviting, the dish feels like a culinary hug from an Italian grandmother.

Fragrant herbs add depth and complexity to each mouthwatering forkful.

Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both elegant and unpretentious.

Trust me, one taste and you’ll understand why this recipe could convince anyone to fall in love.

What Makes Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Special

What Makes Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Special
  • Whip Up Speedy Comfort: Dive into a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap sausage types, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy textures, spicy undertones from red pepper flakes, and rich parmesan cheese, this pasta guarantees smiles around the dinner table and potential recipe requests from guests.
  • Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Satisfaction: Using just one skillet means less dishwashing and more enjoyment, allowing you to spend quality time with loved ones instead of scrubbing pots and pans.

What You’ll Need for Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Ditalini Pasta: A small, short tubular pasta perfect for capturing the creamy sauce in every bite.
  • Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the pasta dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic warmth to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty complexity that enhances the overall taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the other flavors.
Supporting Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the sausage and develop a rich base for the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and additional depth to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Spinach: Optional ingredient that adds fresh green color and nutritional value.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

How to Make Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

How to Make Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Boil Delightful Ditalini

Cook the ditalini pasta in salted water following package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Savory Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it into delicious bite-sized pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a rich, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for about a minute.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance that promises deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits clinging to the bottom of the pan.

These little flavor treasures will add depth to the sauce.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce Magic

Stir in the following ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Italian seasoning

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and blends into the sauce.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 7: Combine Pasta Perfection

Gently fold in the cooked ditalini and fresh spinach.

Ensure every pasta piece gets coated in the luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 8: Finish With Flair

Remove the skillet from heat.

Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves for a pop of color and bright flavor.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

Ways to Improve Your Sausage Pasta Dish

  • Choose high-quality ditalini pasta and cook al dente for the best texture and bite.
  • Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor, or swap with chicken sausage for a lighter option.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Replace spinach with kale or arugula for different nutritional profiles and taste variations.
  • Fresh basil adds brightness, but you can also sprinkle extra parmesan or red pepper flakes for more depth.

Mix It Up with Marry Me Ditalini Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap ditalini pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Lighter Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-calorie, tangy version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired pasta.

Pair This Pasta with the Right Sides

  • Pasta Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for fresh contrast.
  • Bread Buddy Bliss: Accompany with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian ciabatta to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
  • Wine Lover's Delight: Pair with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red Chianti to complement the rich sausage flavors.
  • Veggie Sidekick: Add a simple roasted vegetable medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.

Best Way to Store Marry Me Ditalini Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh spinach as texture might change.
  • Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
  • Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently until warmed through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Avoid high heat to prevent sauce separation.

FAQs

The name suggests the dish is so delicious that it could make someone fall in love or propose marriage due to its incredibly rich and flavorful combination of ingredients.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ditalini with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells that will hold the creamy sauce well.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a less spicy version. The dish has a gentle warmth rather than intense spiciness.

  • Do I need to use fresh spinach?

Fresh spinach is recommended for best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach can work if thawed and well-drained. The spinach adds nutrition and a nice green color to the pasta.

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Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Marry me ditalini sausage pasta promises a romantic culinary journey through hearty Italian flavors. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned sausage create an irresistible meal you’ll want to share with someone special.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 cup spinach (optional)

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) ditalini pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil ditalini pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil. Drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then crumble sausage and cook until golden brown and fully rendered, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, careful not to burn.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the pan’s surface to incorporate rich flavor.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, introduce sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and ingredients to meld.
  6. Incorporate parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Fold in cooked ditalini pasta and fresh spinach, ensuring every pasta piece is luxuriously coated with the robust sauce.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh torn basil leaves. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor that elevates the entire dish’s warmth and depth.
  • Consider using gluten-free pasta to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
  • Fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly and adds nutritional value, but can be replaced with kale or arugula for variety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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