There's something magical about a dish that combines rich, creamy sauce with hearty pasta and savory sausage. This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a flavor-packed meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!

I first made this dish on a whim, looking for a quick yet indulgent dinner after a long day. The results? Pure comfort food bliss. With its creamy tomato sauce, perfectly cooked ditalini, and juicy sausage, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your home.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible pasta dish! Whether youโre making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and ease.
First, itโs incredibly easy to make. With just one pan and a pot for the pasta, you can whip up this creamy, dreamy meal in under 30 minutes.
Second, the savory sausage and creamy sauce are a match made in heaven. The slight spice from the sausage balances beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Itโs also super versatile. You can switch up the protein, add veggies, or tweak the spice level to your preference. Itโs one of those recipes that adapts easily to what you have on hand.
Finally, this dish stores and reheats beautifully. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day โ if thereโs any left!
Now, letโs talk about the ingredients youโll need to make this dish unforgettable.
Ingredient Notes
The magic of this Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta comes from its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays an important role in making this dish creamy, flavorful, and downright delicious.
- Ditalini Pasta โ This small, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you donโt have ditalini, you can swap it for elbow macaroni or small shells.
- Italian Sausage โ I prefer using mild or spicy Italian sausage for added depth of flavor. You can also use turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative if desired.
- Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth โ These two ingredients create the perfect creamy base. The broth keeps it from being too heavy, while the cream adds richness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes โ These add a subtle sweetness and tanginess to the sauce, balancing out the creaminess. Be sure to use the kind packed in oil for maximum flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese โ A generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan makes the sauce extra velvety and delicious.
- Garlic & Onion โ These aromatic ingredients build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes โ Optional, but highly recommended if you like a little heat.
No fancy equipment neededโjust a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a trusty wooden spoon. Now, letโs get cooking!
How to Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
- Cook the ditalini pasta โ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just until al dente. Reserve about ยฝ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage โ While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the casings from the Italian sausage (if using links) and crumble it into the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sautรฉ the aromatics โ In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil if needed, then sautรฉ onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce โ Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Combine everything โ Add the browned sausage back into the pan, followed by the cooked ditalini pasta. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until everything is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve & enjoy โ Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Serve hot and enjoy!
In just 30 minutes, you have a comforting, creamy pasta dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Storage Options
This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this pasta still holds up well. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauceโs creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to make it your own!
- Swap the Protein: Instead of Italian sausage, try ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crispy pancetta.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or sautรฉed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free option.
- Spice It Up: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for more heat.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers would be excellent additions. Just toss them in with the onions and garlic.
- Use a Different Pasta: While ditalini is perfect, this sauce works well with penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette.
No matter how you customize it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort food โ rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you're making it for a romantic dinner or a quick family meal, it's sure to impress.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and whip up a bowl of this creamy, dreamy pasta. Trust me โ one bite, and youโll see why they call it "Marry Me" pasta!
Let me know if you try this recipe โ Iโd love to hear your thoughts!
PrintBaked Potato Soup Recipe
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This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a rich, comforting dish packed with savory Italian sausage, parmesan, and a creamy tomato sauce. The perfect blend of herbs and spices makes this pasta irresistible, ideal for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- ยฝ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ยฝ cup chicken broth
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ยฝ tsp salt
- ยผ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until combined.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, then mix in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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