Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

This creamy, savory pasta dish combines the richness of marry me pasta with the satisfying bite of ditalini and the bold flavor of Italian sausage. It’s quick, comforting, and sure to become a new favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors.
• Quick to Make: Ready in just 35 minutes.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak for different preferences.

---

Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
• Nonstick Sauté Pan: Ideal for cooking sausage and creating the sauce.
• Colander: To drain pasta without sticking.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce without scratching cookware.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for the sauce and seasonings.

---

Preparation Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions enhance the flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slight firmness ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Grate Cheese Freshly: Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly and adds a richer flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Chop onions and garlic before starting for a smooth 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 Directions

1. Make the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of kosher salt for flavor.
• Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it’s 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 and add avocado oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the mild Italian ground sausage. Cook until golden brown, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Caramelize the Tomato Paste

• Stir in the tomato paste, spreading it evenly in the pan. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to caramelize, enhancing its sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper.

4. Deglaze and Make the Sauce

• Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth reduce by half.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy base.

5. Incorporate Cheese and Pasta

• Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is silky.
• Toss in the cooked ditalini pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in the luscious sauce.

6. Adjust Consistency and Garnish

• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
• Garnish with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired, and serve warm.

---

Pro Tip

• Pair this dish with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta by pairing it with sides that balance its rich and savory flavors. These additions complete the meal, turning it into a delightful dining experience.

Top Serving Tips

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.
• Extra Cheese: Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan for a decadent touch.
• Heat Kick: Offer red pepper flakes on the side for spice lovers.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a toasted baguette to soak up every bit of the sauce.

---

8 Side Dish Recommendations

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan add a refreshing crunch.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned with olive oil and lemon for a vibrant, healthy side.
3. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Oven-roasted with garlic and olive oil, offering a caramelized flavor.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender.
5. Caprese Salad: Sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
6. Balsamic-Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots coated in a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze.
7. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A soft, buttery complement to the creamy pasta.
8. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds for crunch.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta

• Always cook the ditalini al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture when mixed with the sauce.

2. Using Pre-Grated Parmesan

• Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for a smooth sauce.

3. Skipping Tomato Paste Caramelization

• This step deepens the sauce’s flavor. Don’t rush it; let the tomato paste caramelize for 2-3 minutes.

4. Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments

• Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

5. Overheating the Cream Sauce

• Cream sauces can break if overheated. Keep the heat low once you add the cream.

6. Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water

• While this recipe uses chicken broth, a splash of reserved pasta water can also help loosen a thick sauce and add starch for a silky finish.

7. Not Using Fresh Garlic and Onion

• Fresh aromatics make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried or pre-minced options.

8. Storing Improperly

• Store leftovers in airtight containers. When reheating, always add a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

---

Quick Serving Tip

Pair your pasta with a simple dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing accompaniment to the rich dish.

Recipe Tips

Customize Your Dish

• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes during cooking for a bold flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and nutrients.
• Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Enhance the Sauce

• Let the tomato paste caramelize fully to build depth in the sauce.
• If the sauce feels too rich, balance it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of Italian herbs.

Cooking Tips

• Prevent Pasta from Sticking: Toss cooked pasta with a small drizzle of oil if it sits for more than a few minutes before adding to the sauce.
• Thinning the Sauce: Always keep extra chicken broth on hand to adjust the sauce consistency during cooking or reheating.

---

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed.

Reheating Instructions

• On the stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• In the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a bit of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.

---

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or rigatoni work beautifully in this dish.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the ditalini pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure your chicken broth and sausage are certified gluten-free.

3. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a lighter alternative, though the sauce may be less creamy.

4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Can I add more protein?

Certainly! Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for extra protein.

6. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Its mild flavors and creamy texture make it appealing to kids. For picky eaters, omit the red pepper flakes and keep the sausage mild.

7. Can I prepare this in advance?

You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently and toss it with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

8. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

---

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation in one irresistible dish. Its rich cream sauce, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked ditalini make it a family favorite, while the versatility of the recipe allows for endless customizations.

Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy it with loved ones, and watch it become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish will never fail to impress.