There’s something irresistible about a steaming bowl of creamy pasta that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening. This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta combines tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, and a rich, velvety sauce that’s impossible to resist.

I first discovered this recipe during a frantic weeknight scramble to make something satisfying with what I had on hand. It was love at first bite, and my family affectionately calls it the "Marry Me Pasta" because it’s that good! Whether you're cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this dish promises to impress. Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food! This pasta dish ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable meal.
First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just one skillet and one pot, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of savory sausage and creamy sauce is utterly addictive. The way the ditalini pasta soaks up the rich flavors ensures every bite is perfection.
It's also wonderfully versatile. Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or swap in chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can even add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
Finally, this recipe is family-approved and budget-friendly. Using affordable pantry staples, it’s a dish that delivers on flavor without breaking the bank.
Ready to whip up this creamy masterpiece? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ditalini pasta: This short, tubular pasta is perfect for catching every drop of the creamy sauce. It’s fun, bite-sized, and a wonderful match for this dish.
- Italian sausage: Opt for hot or mild Italian sausage based on your preference. The sausage adds depth and a touch of spice to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is the star of the sauce, giving it that luxurious texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half.
- Chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory base to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Garlic and onions: These aromatic ingredients lay the foundation for the sauce, infusing it with flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan thickens the sauce and adds a sharp, nutty finish.
- Seasonings: A blend of dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Special Equipment
You’ll need a large skillet to prepare the sauce and a pot for boiling the pasta. A fine grater for the Parmesan is also handy for achieving that melty texture.
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Creating this dish is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining – this will help adjust the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed and sauté diced onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and pick up all the flavorful browned bits. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring every piece is coated. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
In about 35 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish ready to enjoy!
Storage Options
Leftovers? This pasta stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s just as delicious reheated.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
The flexibility of this dish means you can tailor it to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken sausage, ground turkey, or even shrimp instead of Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a meatless version.
- Cheese Upgrade: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier twist.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the ditalini with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Experiment and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe
This creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta recipe is an irresistible dinner favorite! Made with flavorful sausage, tender ditalini pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce, it's a perfect comfort food dish that's quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return sausage to the skillet and mix well. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by using spicy or mild sausage and more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850mg
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