Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

There's something irresistible about the combination of tender pasta, savory sausage, and a luscious, creamy sauce. This Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is the kind of dish that could win over anyone's heart with just one bite. The balance of rich, cheesy flavors, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a meal that's both comforting and undeniably indulgent.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty but easy to throw together. The result? A new favorite that my family now requests weekly! With its perfect mix of creaminess and spice, this pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your next go-to dinner. This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta has everything you need for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you'll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.

It's also packed with flavor. The combination of creamy sauce, spicy sausage, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a bold and irresistible taste. Every bite is a delightful mix of richness and zest.

This dish is budget-friendly, making it a great option for families or meal prepping. Using affordable ingredients like ditalini pasta and Italian sausage ensures a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, it's customizable. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, want to add extra veggies, or need a dairy-free alternative, this pasta adapts beautifully to your preferences.

No matter the occasion, this dish delivers on both flavor and convenience, making it a staple you'll want to keep in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the rich and comforting flavor of this Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta lies in its simple yet high-impact ingredients. Let’s break down what makes this dish truly special.

Ditalini Pasta is the ideal choice for this recipe. Its small, tube-like shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. If you don't have ditalini, you can substitute it with elbow macaroni or small shells.

Italian Sausage brings a savory, spiced depth to the dish. Whether you choose mild or spicy, the sausage adds a hearty and satisfying element. Be sure to remove the casing if using links, making it easier to crumble as it cooks.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes are what give this dish its signature "Marry Me" tang. Their slight sweetness and bold umami flavor balance out the creamy sauce beautifully. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.

Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese form the luxurious, velvety sauce. The heavy cream provides richness, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite. If you need a lighter alternative, try using half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Fresh Basil and Garlic elevate the dish with a burst of freshness and aromatic depth. The basil adds a hint of sweetness that complements the other ingredients, while the garlic infuses the sauce with a deliciously warm, savory undertone.

A large skillet and a sturdy wooden spoon will be your best friends in making this pasta come together seamlessly. Now that we've covered the key ingredients, let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Creating this comforting, flavor-packed pasta dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this can help loosen the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Allow it to brown evenly, which takes about 5-6 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to intensify.

Next, lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts, creating a rich, smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Return the cooked sausage to the pan and toss in the drained pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Finish with a generous handful of freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for good measure.

This entire process takes just about 25 minutes, making it an easy and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn't always guaranteed with a dish this good!), storing and reheating is simple. Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Be sure to place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

When reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

This Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is already packed with flavor, but you can always make a few tweaks to suit your taste or dietary needs.

For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give the dish a fiery kick without overpowering the creamy elements.

If you prefer a lighter alternative, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. While the sauce won’t be as thick, it will still have a deliciously creamy texture.

Want to add more veggies? Stir in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. These ingredients will enhance the dish with extra flavor and nutrition.

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp alongside the sausage. This makes the meal even heartier and more satisfying.

Love cheese? Try mixing in a bit of mozzarella or fontina for an extra gooey, melty sauce.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe—the possibilities are endless, and each variation adds a new and exciting twist!

This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or simply indulging in comfort food, this dish is always a winning choice!

Print