Name: Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4
Ingredients: - 8 ounces ditalini pasta; - 2 tablespoons avocado oil; - 8 ounces mild Italian ground sausage; - ½ cup sweet onion diced small; - 2 cloves garlic minced; - 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste; - pinch kosher salt to taste; - few turns cracked black pepper to taste; - ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth; - 1 cup heavy cream; - ½ cup parmesan cheese grated; - red pepper flakes optional garnish

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is like a culinary love story unfolding on your plate. This dish, with its rich blend of creamy sauce and savory sausage, leaves a delightful impression with every bite. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why many have fallen head over heels for this delightful pasta.

Years ago, on a chilly evening, I prepared this dish for my partner. As the aroma filled the kitchen, a sense of warmth enveloped us. Sharing laughter and stories over plates of steaming pasta, I realized how food can weave magic into everyday moments, turning them into cherished memories.

Tracing the roots of creamy indulgence

The Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a delightful twist on traditional Italian fare. This dish takes its name from the playful idea that its flavors are so irresistible, they’d inspire a marriage proposal. Originating in the heart of Italy, ditalini, meaning “small thimbles,” offers the perfect bite-sized pasta experience. Over time, home cooks have personalized it by adding sausage and a creamy sauce, blending rustic charm with modern flair. It’s this blend of classic pasta with a rich, savory touch that makes it a beloved dish across many kitchens.

What magic goes into this creamy pasta?

Whipping up a plate of Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is like crafting a love story in a dish. Each ingredient brings its own charm, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug. Let’s dive into what makes each component special.

Ditalini Pasta: 🍝 Little tubes of joy that soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. If you find yourself without ditalini, elbow macaroni or small shells will do the trick. Opt for a brand that holds its shape well when cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
Avocado Oil: 🥑 It’s like a silky start for our dish, adding a mild, buttery flavor. If avocado oil isn’t handy, olive oil makes a lovely substitute. Choose a high-quality avocado oil for its healthy fats and subtle taste.
Mild Italian Ground Sausage: 🌭 This adds a savory kick while keeping things kid-friendly. If you’re in the mood for more spice, try hot Italian sausage. Seek out sausage with less filler for a meatier texture and richer taste.
Sweet Onion: 🧅 These little gems add a hint of sweetness to balance our savory elements. No sweet onions? Yellow ones work too, just dice them finely to blend seamlessly into the sauce. They’re also a good source of antioxidants.
Garlic: 🧄 The aromatic heart of the dish, it infuses a fragrant warmth. If fresh cloves aren’t on hand, garlic powder can pinch-hit, but fresh really shines here. Look for firm, plump cloves for the best flavor.
Tomato Paste: 🍅 It gives the sauce a rich depth and a hint of tang. If you’re out, a quick purée of canned tomatoes can substitute. Pick a tomato paste that’s rich in color and comes in a small can or tube for freshness.
Kosher Salt: 🧂 Just a pinch elevates all the flavors. Sea salt can stand in if needed. Opt for a brand with a coarse texture to easily control seasoning and bring out the natural flavors of your ingredients.
Cracked Black Pepper: 🌿 Adds a gentle heat and earthy depth. No grinder? Pre-ground will work, just use a little less. Choose fresh, whole peppercorns for grinding to get the most aromatic punch.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: 🥣 Keeps things light and not too salty while deglazing the pan. Vegetable broth can step in if you prefer, just keep it low sodium. Opt for an organic version for a clean, pure flavor.
Heavy Cream: 🍶 The creamy anchor that ties everything together. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half might work, but it won’t be as lush. Choose a cream with a high fat content for that silky texture.
Parmesan Cheese: 🧀 The cheesy crown of the dish that melts into each bite. Pecorino Romano can substitute in a pinch for a sharper taste. Go for a block of cheese and grate it yourself for the freshest, nuttiest flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: 🌶️ A zesty garnish for those who like a bit of fiery flair. If you’re looking for less heat, consider smoked paprika instead. Use sparingly to adjust the spice to your liking.

Must-have gadgets for creamy pasta delight!🍽️

A few trusty kitchen tools can make whipping up delectable dishes like Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta a delightful experience. Here’s a cozy rundown of essentials:

Large Pot: Perfect for cooking pasta to al dente perfection. If your cabinets are tight, a deep sauté pan can double up for this task.
Colander: A reliable companion for draining pasta. In a pinch, a large slotted spoon will also do the trick.
Sauté Pan: This pan is your go-to for browning sausage and veggies. If you’re missing a sauté pan, a deep frying pan can step in.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching your cookware. A silicone spatula works well if you need an alternative.
Cheese Grater: Freshly grated parmesan elevates the dish. A microplane is a fantastic substitute for finely grated cheese.

Having these tools at your fingertips can turn cooking into a breeze, making every meal a moment of joy!

Crafting your creamy masterpiece!👩‍🍳

Step 1: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Kick things off by boiling a generous pot of water. Sprinkle in a good pinch of kosher salt to give the pasta some flavor right from the start. Once the water’s bubbling away, toss in your ditalini pasta and let it cook to that perfect al dente texture—check the package instructions for timing. After draining it with a colander, drizzle a little avocado oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking together. Set it aside and let it rest while you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
Grab a trusty sauté pan and heat it over medium-high heat, adding some avocado oil to get things sizzling. As soon as the oil shimmers, introduce the mild Italian ground sausage. Here’s a tip: let it sit for a moment to develop a nice, golden-brown color before stirring. Once browned, it’s ready to mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Incorporate Onion and Garlic
Now, let’s add some aromatic magic. Toss in the finely diced sweet onion and minced garlic to join the party in the pan. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Be mindful of the garlic; you just want it fragrant without any hint of burning.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste
Time to amp up the flavor with tomato paste. Spoon it into the pan, and don’t rush this part—let it caramelize slightly for around 2-3 minutes. This step will bring a lovely richness to your sauce, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of cracked black pepper over your mixture. This will balance out the flavors beautifully. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste—you’re the chef here!
Step 6: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, using it to deglaze the pan. This means you’ll scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom as the liquid simmers. Allow the broth to reduce by half, concentrating the flavors into a savory base for your creamy sauce.
Step 7: Add Heavy Cream
Lower the heat to medium/low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go. This turns your sauce into something luxuriously creamy. Continue to mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
Step 8: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Introduce the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted into the creamy mixture. The cheese will thicken the sauce slightly, adding a delicious salty note. If it becomes too thick, a splash of chicken broth will easily loosen it up.
Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce
It’s time to bring everything together. Add your cooked ditalini pasta to the sauce, tossing it gently until each piece is well-coated in the creamy delight. Make sure everything is heated through, ensuring your dish is ready to serve.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
For a final touch, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top if you fancy a bit of heat. Now you’re ready to enjoy your creamy creation! The flavors will have melded beautifully, offering a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table.

Customize your creamy twist!

For a gluten-free option, swap the ditalini pasta for a chickpea-based substitute. It adds a delightful nuttiness and keeps the dish just as satisfying. I experimented with a vegan version by using plant-based sausage and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. While it lacked the richness of the original, the comforting essence remained. A low-carb twist involved spiralized zucchini, offering a fresh and crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce. For a Mediterranean flair, I mixed in sun-dried tomatoes and olives—the burst of flavors was a delightful surprise!

Plating your pasta with flair and flavor

When hosting a dinner party with Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta as the star, consider presenting it on large, rustic serving platters. This family-style approach invites guests to help themselves, encouraging a warm, communal vibe. To garnish, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the creamy pasta, adding a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of parmesan cheese never hurt anyone either.

Pair this dish with a simple arugula salad, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, to offer a refreshing contrast. For a touch of Italian flair, place a basket of warm, crusty bread on the table for sopping up all that luscious sauce. The combination’s a hit, and who doesn’t love a good reason to carbo-load with style?

Sip and savor: perfect drinks for pasta night

When I dive into a bowl of Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta, I love to have a refreshing glass of iced tea by my side. It’s like the perfect partner in crime—the cool, crisp tea balances out the rich, creamy goodness of the pasta. Sometimes, I go for a lemony zing to add a bit of brightness.

Lately, I’ve also been enjoying a sparkling water with a twist of lime. It’s bubbly, fun, and keeps things light, so I don’t feel weighed down. Plus, the little lime twist makes me feel fancy, like I’m indulging in a luxurious treat.

Keeping leftovers fresh and delightful!

To keep your Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain its creamy texture. If you’re using the microwave, cover your dish with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Just remember, leftovers should be heated to at least 165°F to ensure they’re safe to eat. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Avoid these common mistakes 🖐️

Cooking up a delicious Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta can sometimes hit a few snags, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some quick fixes!

First up, it’s easy to overcook the pasta. Keep an eye on it to ensure it remains al dente. Overdone pasta tends to become mushy, losing that delightful texture.

Another common hiccup is forgetting to caramelize the tomato paste. Skipping this step could lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Give it those extra minutes to really develop a rich taste.

Lastly, don’t let the sauce thicken too much! A splash of chicken broth can work wonders if you find it’s getting too clingy.

Enjoy the process and savor every bite!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ditalini?
Absolutely! If ditalini isn’t handy, you can swap it with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it remains al dente.
Is there an alternative to avocado oil for this recipe?
Certainly! Olive oil works perfectly as a substitute. Just remember that it might bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare it ahead, but for the best taste and texture, it’s ideal to enjoy it fresh. If reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of butter can work as a substitute. Keep in mind it might alter the richness of the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Adjust to your preferred spice level!

Savor the pasta magic tonight!🎉

So there you have it—the Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta, a dish that promises love at first bite. Why not roll up your sleeves and give it a whirl? It’s a canvas just waiting for your personal touch. Toss in some extra veggies, or maybe sprinkle a little more spice if that’s what tickles your fancy. Cooking is, after all, a delicious playground. Dive in, mix things up, and make it your own. You never know, this might just become your signature dish, the one everyone asks for. Happy cooking, my friend!

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe