Okay, wait—have you ever tasted pasta so good it made you want to say, “Marry me”? This creamy ditalini sausage pasta is that kind of dish. One bite and… yep, you’ll get it.
It’s cozy, cheesy, and just the right kind of spicy. The ditalini soaks up all that rich, creamy sauce like a little flavor sponge. And the sausage? Oh wow—total flavor bomb.
If you love comfort food that feels fancy but is secretly super easy, you’re gonna fall hard for this. It’s the kind of pasta that feels like a hug in a bowl. And guess what? No special skills needed.
So grab a pot, turn up the heat, and let’s make some magic. This is dinner that’ll get people talking. And maybe even proposing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Cozy Flavor: The mix of sausage, cream, tomato paste, and cheese hits all the comfort food notes.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one pan—less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
- Weeknight Friendly: Ready in about 45 minutes. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable Heat: Add red pepper flakes to kick things up or leave them out for a milder take.
- Pasta with Personality: Ditalini is a fun pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly in every bite.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings:
Serves about 4 people. For larger gatherings, just double the ingredients and use a deeper skillet or Dutch oven.
Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly with just a few simple steps and basic ingredients. Great for home cooks of all levels.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Fine grater (for Parmesan)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, savory pasta (exact amounts will be in the recipe card at the end):
- Ditalini Pasta: A short, tube-shaped pasta that holds creamy sauces really well.
- Avocado Oil: For sautéing; it has a neutral taste and high smoke point.
- Mild Italian Sausage: Ground sausage gives the dish depth and heartiness.
- Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and savory base to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- Tomato Paste: For rich, concentrated tomato flavor. Let it caramelize slightly for best results.
- Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: To season the sauce just right.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and create the sauce without making it too salty.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature silky texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and brings the sauce together.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Add a little spice if you like a bit of heat.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Remove any excess grease if needed.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until soft and translucent—about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Build the Base
Add the tomato paste and stir it in with the sausage and onions. Let it cook for about 1–2 minutes until it deepens in color slightly. This helps caramelize the tomato paste, which brings out a richer flavor.
5. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Use your spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Add the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Season and Finish
Add kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Add the cooked ditalini pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Let it cook together for another 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a bold kick.
- Veggie Add-In: Toss in spinach, peas, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes toward the end for
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
This pasta is rich and cozy on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate the experience:
- With Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta.
- Crusty Bread: Add a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Parmesan Shower: Finish with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving.
Storing Creamy Marry Me Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just to al dente so it holds its shape in the creamy sauce.
- Let the Tomato Paste Cook: This deepens the flavor and removes any raw taste.
- Grate the Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add more cream or broth if your sauce gets too thick.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and spice levels to your preference.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Course: Uncategorized15
minutes30
minutes540
kcalIngredients
8 oz ditalini pasta
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 lb mild Italian ground sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook ditalini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat avocado oil. Cook sausage until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste: Mix in tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until deepened in color.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up brown bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce heat. Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth and melted.
- Season & Combine: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in cooked pasta. Heat for 1–2 minutes until everything is coated and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Recipe Video
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni work well. Just make sure it’s something that holds sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the sauce and pasta ahead, then combine and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
What if I want it spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or even a touch of cayenne.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using unsweetened oat cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the texture and taste may vary.
Conclusion
Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta isn’t just another dinner—it’s a warm, rich, flavor-packed dish that brings comfort with every bite. Whether you’re making it for date night or a family dinner, it’s the kind of meal people remember and request again.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment or tag your pasta pics online—because this one’s worth sharing.