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- 12 oz ditalini pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (choose sweet or spicy according to preference, with casings removed) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned (including juices for added flavor) - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme) - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this creamy Marry Me ditalini sausage pasta, each ingredient plays a key role. The ditalini pasta adds a fun shape, catching the sauce perfectly. The Italian sausage is the star, providing rich flavor. You can choose sweet or spicy sausage based on your taste. Onions and garlic bring depth to the dish. They sauté together to create a lovely base. Heavy cream and chicken broth combine to form a smooth, luscious sauce. Diced tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. Dried Italian herbs enhance the sauce's flavor, while salt and pepper balance everything. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish. Fresh basil leaves on top make the dish look beautiful and fresh. Gather these ingredients, and you will create a delightful meal that truly shines! {{ingredient_image_2}} Boiling and Draining Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of ditalini pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save about 1 cup of the pasta water for later. Reserving Pasta Water The reserved pasta water is key for the sauce. It has starch that helps thicken the sauce and makes it creamy. Set it aside while you cook the sausage. Browning Technique In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 lb of Italian sausage, removing the casings first. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it's nicely browned. Managing Heat Keep an eye on the heat. If the sausage browns too fast, lower the heat. You want it cooked through but not burnt. Stir it often for even cooking. Adding Vegetables After the sausage is browned, add 1 finely chopped medium onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. The smell will be amazing! Combining Cream and Broth Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, along with salt and cracked pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Incorporating Ditalini Now, it’s time to add the drained ditalini pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated. Adjusting Sauce Consistency If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Stir until you reach the creamy consistency you like. Adding Cheese Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will melt into the sauce, making it even richer. Final Taste Adjustments Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is your dish, so make it perfect for your palate! Choosing the right sausage is key for great flavor. You can go with sweet or spicy sausage. - Sweet Sausage: This type has a mild flavor. It works well for those who enjoy a gentle taste. - Spicy Sausage: If you like heat, this is for you. It adds a nice kick to the dish. For a great taste, I recommend using Italian sausage. It's flavorful and pairs well with the creamy sauce. To get that perfect creamy sauce, follow these tips. - Tips for Sauce Thickness: Start with heavy cream and chicken broth. This gives a rich base. If it seems too thick, you can adjust it easily. - Pasta Water Utilization: Save some pasta cooking water. Adding a splash to the sauce helps thin it out. It also makes the sauce cling to the pasta better. Presentation can make your dish shine. Here are some ideas. - Ideal Pairings: This pasta goes great with a side salad. A simple green salad adds fresh crunch. Add garlic bread for a comforting touch. - Presentation Tips: Use bowls for serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan. This makes the dish look extra special. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Selecting the right type of Italian sausage can significantly impact the flavor of your dish. Opt for sweet sausage for a milder taste or spicy sausage for a kick of heat. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to adjust its consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta. Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried Italian herbs are convenient, fresh basil can elevate the dish's flavor profile. Add it just before serving for a burst of freshness. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the ditalini until al dente ensures it retains a pleasant bite and won't become mushy when mixed with the sauce. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Spinach or kale are great choices. They add color and nutrients. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Bell peppers are another option. Chop them up and sauté with the sausage. They bring a sweet crunch to the dish. If you want a lighter meal, try chicken or turkey sausage. Both can replace the Italian sausage. They offer great flavor without the extra fat. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. It gives you the same taste without meat. You can also add beans for protein and texture. You can mix it up with different cheeses. Cheddar or mozzarella will work well too. They bring a unique flavor to the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy taste without the dairy. You can also look for vegan cheese at the store. How to Store Leftovers After enjoying your creamy marry me ditalini sausage pasta, let it cool down. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you think you will not eat it all, portion it out for easy meals later. Best Practices When storing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container. This helps prevent drying out. It’s best to keep the pasta and sauce together, as they blend well when reheated. If you have leftover basil or cheese, store those separately to keep their flavors fresh. Stovetop vs. Microwave For the best results, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Use a non-stick skillet and add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This method keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of cream or broth to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to hold in steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Maintaining Creaminess To keep your pasta creamy, avoid high heat. High heat can separate the cream and make the sauce oily. Stir gently and add small amounts of liquid if needed. This way, your creamy marry me ditalini sausage pasta stays delicious and enjoyable, even on reheating! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Options like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well. Each shape holds sauce differently, but they all taste great. If you use a larger pasta, adjust the cooking time. Just make sure to cook it until al dente. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To prevent the pasta from getting too dry, cover it tightly. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Cook the pasta and sausage ahead of time. Store each component separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine and heat. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Enjoy a delicious meal in no time! You now have a complete guide to creating a delicious dish with ditalini pasta and sausage. From choosing the right ingredients to cooking techniques, each step helps you build a flavorful meal. Remember, adjusting the sauce and exploring variations can make this recipe your own. Store leftovers wisely and reheat for creamy goodness. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress your friends and family with this tasty dish!

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ditalini pasta and Italian sausage, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ditalini pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, setting aside about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  • In a spacious skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Introduce the Italian sausage into the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
  • Once the sausage is browned, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Next, mix in the minced garlic, allowing it to cook for another minute until it releases its delightful aroma.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices). Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir gently and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  • Introduce the drained ditalini pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to incorporate it into the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired creamy consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Taste the pasta, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Ladle the creamy sausage pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired, for a finishing touch.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by choosing sweet or spicy sausage.
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, sausage