There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta filling your kitchen. This indulgent dish is a perfect marriage of tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and a creamy, garlicky sauce that's impossible to resist.

I first came across this recipe during a date night at home, where I wanted to recreate the feel of a cozy Italian bistro. The result? A show-stopping pasta that not only won over my partner but has since become a family favorite. Let me walk you through why you’ll love it and how to make it yourself!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this incredible pasta dish. From its luxurious sauce to its irresistible flavor, this recipe is a keeper for so many reasons.
First off, it's quick and easy, making it the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights. With just 30 minutes of cook time, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal without breaking a sweat.
Secondly, the combination of creamy sauce and savory sausage creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and elegant. The subtle heat from the sausage balances beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce.
If you're looking for a meal that pleases everyone, this is it. Kids adore the bite-sized ditalini pasta, while adults can’t get enough of the hearty flavors. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Lastly, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Swap out ingredients, adjust the spice level, or throw in some veggies to make it your own. No matter what, it’s guaranteed to be delicious.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta lies in its carefully selected ingredients, which combine to create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
- Ditalini Pasta: These short, tube-shaped pieces are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you can’t find ditalini, try small shells or macaroni as substitutes.
- Italian Sausage: I recommend using mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. The sausage adds a robust, savory depth to the dish. Be sure to remove the casings for easier crumbling during cooking.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to the velvety sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as indulgent.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic magic. Don’t skip it – it’s essential for that classic "Marry Me" flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan not only thickens the sauce but also adds a nutty, savory richness. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Finally, keep a large skillet and a big pot for boiling pasta on hand – you’ll need them to make this dish come together seamlessly.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering pasta is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to bring it to life in your kitchen.
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Stir until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights or special occasions when you want something impressive yet effortless.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this pasta stores beautifully for later enjoyment.
- Refrigerator: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the leftovers just as delicious.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to enhance the dish with extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Options: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or add a handful of shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier sauce.
- Spice It Up: Love heat? Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or double the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Experiment with these ideas to suit your taste – no matter how you tweak it, this recipe will turn out delicious.
Whether you're serving it for a date night, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a dish that truly lives up to its name. Once you try it, you’ll understand why everyone who tastes it falls in love. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe
This creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta recipe combines tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for quick dinners or special occasions, this irresistible dish is sure to "marry" all your favorite flavors into one satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss the cooked ditalini pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use spicy sausage and top with additional Parmesan cheese.
- You can substitute ditalini with penne or any short pasta.
- Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
Leave a Reply