Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, creamy pasta to bring comfort after a long day. This Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is packed with flavor from savory Italian sausage, a velvety parmesan-infused sauce, and just the right hint of spice. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me—it’s simply irresistible!

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm, hearty, and a little indulgent. The combination of tender ditalini pasta, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and crumbled sausage turned out to be pure magic. Now, it’s a regular on my dinner rotation, especially when I want to impress guests or make my family swoon over a homemade meal.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dish! This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta checks all the boxes for a perfect dinner: easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor.

First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Secondly, it’s packed with bold, irresistible flavors. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan creates a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and just a little fiery.

Not to mention, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night, feeding picky eaters, or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to get rave reviews.

Best of all, it’s highly customizable. You can easily switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or tweak the spice level to make it exactly how you like it.

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this dreamy pasta!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.

• Ditalini Pasta – These small, tube-shaped noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, making every bite extra flavorful. If you can’t find ditalini, small shells or elbow macaroni work well too.
• Italian Sausage – I love using hot Italian sausage for a bit of spice, but mild or sweet sausage works just as well if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a slightly sweet, tangy depth to the sauce. I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness. If using dry ones, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
• Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth – This duo creates the perfect creamy base for the sauce. If you want a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half.
• Parmesan Cheese – A good-quality Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano) gives the sauce its signature cheesy, salty bite. Freshly grated is best!
• Garlic & Onion – These aromatic staples enhance the overall depth of flavor. Don’t skip them!
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Just a pinch adds the perfect amount of heat to balance the creaminess. Feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.

You’ll also need a large skillet for cooking the sausage and sauce, plus a pot for boiling the pasta. Now, let’s get cooking!

How To Make Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Making this dish is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a luxurious pasta dinner in no time.

1. Cook the ditalini pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the sausage – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics – In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra punch of flavor.
4. Make the creamy sauce – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cooked sausage.
5. Combine everything – Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve and enjoy – Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then serve immediately while warm and creamy.

This dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This pasta can be frozen, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated. If freezing, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is how flexible it is! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Protein Swap – Instead of sausage, try using grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled bacon for a different twist.
• Make It Spicier – Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it more heat.
• Veggie Boost – Stir in baby spinach, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, and use turkey or chicken sausage to cut down on fat.
• Pasta Alternatives – While ditalini is perfect, you can also use penne, rigatoni, or even orzo if you prefer a different texture.

No matter how you customize it, this pasta always turns out rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

There you have it—Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta that’s guaranteed to impress! Whether you're making it for a cozy date night or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! Would you add any special twists? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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