Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
This easy pasta dish blends the creamy, indulgent elements of Marry Me pasta with comforting, hearty flavors reminiscent of elevated hamburger helper. With tender ditalini pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is destined to become a weeknight favorite.
Servings: 8
Calories: 269kcal
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
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, drizzle with a little avocado oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
- Heat a nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil.
- Once hot, add the Italian sausage and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Caramelize the Tomato Paste
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize and develop deep flavor.
- Season with a pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Let the broth reduce by half, then lower the heat to medium-low.
- Stir in the heavy cream to create a creamy sauce base.
Incorporate Cheese and Pasta
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and fully combined.
- Toss in the cooked ditalini pasta, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Consistency
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it without diluting the flavor.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for optional heat. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help restore the sauce’s creaminess. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Sauce Consistency Tip: If the sauce thickens too much during cooking or reheating, a splash of broth can help loosen it.
Cheese Swap: Substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan if you prefer a sharper, saltier flavor.