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To make this tasty dish, you will need: - 12 oz ditalini pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned (with juices) - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Using good-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose fresh Italian sausage for better flavor. Look for firm, bright tomatoes in cans. They should have a rich, deep color. Fresh herbs add more taste than dried ones. Always use real Parmesan cheese, not the powdered kind. Heavy cream should be fresh and thick for a creamy sauce. If you have dietary needs, I have some easy swaps for you. - For gluten-free pasta, use a gluten-free ditalini or any other shape you like. - If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - For a meat-free option, use plant-based sausage. It gives great flavor without meat. - You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you avoid dairy. These options help everyone enjoy this dish, no matter their needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook ditalini pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add 12 ounces of ditalini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Do not forget to save a cup of pasta water. This will help adjust the sauce later. Next, it’s time to sauté the sausage. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of Italian sausage, removing the casings first. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and no longer pink. This step is key for depth of flavor. After cooking, you will have a delicious base for your dish. Now, let’s combine everything for that creamy texture. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook it until it becomes soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. After simmering, add the drained ditalini pasta to the skillet. Mix everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess. Finally, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make everything rich and cheesy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, you are ready to plate your creamy pasta! If your sauce seems too thin, don't worry! You can fix this easily. First, let the sauce simmer longer. This helps it reduce and thicken. If that doesn't work, add a bit more cheese. Parmesan cheese thickens well. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it in slowly until the sauce reaches the right thickness. Leftovers can be great for lunch or dinner! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to store it longer, try freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container and it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label it! Presentation matters! Serve the pasta in nice bowls for a fancy touch. Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese looks great too. For a little crunch, add toasted breadcrumbs on the top. This will impress your guests and make your meal Instagram-worthy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and high-quality sausage to enhance the flavor of your pasta. Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help adjust the sauce's consistency while adding extra flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half. Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by using different types of sausage. Sweet Italian sausage gives a nice, mild taste. Spicy sausage adds a kick that wakes up your taste buds. For a twist, try chicken or turkey sausage. They are leaner but still pack a punch. You can even use chorizo for a bold, smoky flavor. Each type of sausage brings its own charm to the dish. If you want a meat-free dish, don't worry. You can use plant-based sausage instead. These options are easy to find in stores today. They mimic the texture of meat and soak up flavors well. You can also use mushrooms as a hearty base. Sauté them until they are golden and soft. Add some chopped bell peppers for sweetness and color. This gives you a rich, satisfying meal without meat. Seasonal ingredients can brighten your pasta dish. In spring, add fresh peas for a pop of color and sweetness. In summer, use ripe tomatoes straight from the garden. In fall, roasted butternut squash adds a creamy texture. In winter, hearty greens like kale or spinach can add depth. Each season brings new flavors to explore. Don't be afraid to mix and match as you go. Your pasta will always taste fresh and exciting! After enjoying your creamy ditalini pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing. This way, it won't steam and get soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when to use it. If you want to save this dish for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir frequently until hot. You can also microwave it; just cover the bowl with a lid or plate. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly and stay tasty! It takes about 30 minutes to prepare creamy Marry Me ditalini sausage pasta. You will spend around 10 minutes gathering and prepping your ingredients. Cooking the pasta and making the sauce usually takes the remaining 20 minutes. This makes it a quick and easy meal for busy days. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To do this, cook the pasta and sauce as directed. Then, let everything cool before storing it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat on the stove. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Creamy Marry Me ditalini sausage pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for a tasty addition. If you want to add more veggies, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli make excellent choices too. This blog post covered all you need for Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta. We explored key ingredients and their quality, plus alternatives for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the dish perfectly. Tips on thickening sauce and storing leftovers rounded out our approach. Remember, this dish allows for creativity with variations and offers easy storage options. You can enjoy a delightful meal that fits your taste and needs. Dive in and make this recipe your own!

Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ditalini pasta, Italian sausage, and a rich sauce.
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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 (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned (with juices)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir in the dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the drained ditalini pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach desired creaminess.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Plate the creamy pasta in bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

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