Pin it
My Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta has become our family's favorite comfort meal. That combination of tiny pasta Italian sausage and rich tomato cream sauce creates pure magic in just 30 minutes. The name came from my husband who said he'd marry me all over again after tasting it. Now it's our go-to dish when we need something cozy and delicious.
What Makes This Pasta Special
The secret lies in how that silky sauce hugs every piece of pasta. Mild sausage adds such wonderful flavor while the tomato paste and parmesan create this incredible richness. Sometimes I toss in handfuls of fresh spinach or sweet peas. My kids don't even notice they're eating vegetables when they're wrapped in all that creamy goodness.
Everything You Need
- Perfect pasta: Little ditalini shapes catch all that amazing sauce.
- Good oil: I use avocado oil for its clean taste and high heat tolerance.
- Italian sausage: Mild works best but spicy lovers can kick it up.
- Fresh aromatics: Sweet onions and plenty of fresh garlic.
- Rich tomato paste: Don't skip caramelizing it makes all the difference.
- Simple seasonings: Just kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper.
- Chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the salt.
- Heavy cream: Makes everything luxuriously smooth.
- Real parmesan: Freshly grated melts like a dream.
- Heat option: Red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy.
Making The Magic Happen
- Start With Pasta
- I get my water boiling first always with plenty of salt. Those tiny ditalini cook up quick just until they have that perfect bite. A little drizzle of oil keeps them from sticking while we make the sauce.
- Sausage Time
- That sizzle when sausage hits the hot pan might be my favorite kitchen sound. Let it get nice and golden brown.
- Building Flavors
- In go the onions and garlic cooking until my kitchen smells amazing.
- The Secret Step
- Here's where the magic happens letting that tomato paste caramelize. Those extra few minutes transform the whole dish.
- Making It Creamy
- Chicken broth goes in first let it reduce then add that luxurious cream.
- Bringing It Home
- Fresh parmesan melts into the sauce then those perfect little pasta shapes join the party. Sometimes I add red pepper flakes when I'm feeling spicy.
Pin it
My Best Tips
Always cook your pasta with a bit of bite it'll keep cooking in the sauce. That caramelized tomato paste step is worth every minute it takes. If your sauce gets too thick just splash in some extra broth. I learned these tricks through plenty of trial and error now every batch comes out perfect.
Saving For Later
This pasta stays beautiful in the fridge for several days. When I warm it up I add a splash of broth to bring back that silky sauce. Sometimes I make extra just for leftovers my husband says it tastes even better the next day.
Make It Your Way
This recipe loves creativity. Sometimes I switch up the pasta shapes whatever's in my pantry works beautifully. Last week I added some sweet peas and my kids didn't even notice the extra vegetables. My sister likes using spicy sausage in hers. The kitchen becomes your playground with this dish.
About That Special Oil
I started using avocado oil in this recipe years ago and never looked back. It handles the heat perfectly without adding any strong flavors of its own. When I run out olive oil works in a pinch but that clean taste of avocado oil lets all those other flavors shine through.
Common Questions
Friends always ask if they can use different pasta yes any short shape works wonderfully! Half and half can replace the heavy cream though the sauce won't be quite as rich. That step of cooking down the tomato paste makes such a difference in flavor don't skip it. These little details turn good pasta into something truly special.
Setting The Table
Nothing makes me happier than serving this pasta to people I love. A basket of garlic bread on the side helps catch every drop of sauce. My favorite salad with crisp greens balances out all that creaminess. On special nights we open a bottle of white wine and make an evening of it. Even my pickiest guests ask for seconds.
Kitchen Essentials
You don't need fancy equipment to make this dish shine. My trusty pasta pot the big sauté pan I got as a wedding gift and a good colander do the job perfectly. I love my silicone spatula for stirring it's gentle on my pans. That whisk from my grandmother's kitchen makes the smoothest sauce. Simple tools creating something wonderful.
Pure Comfort Food
This pasta brings such joy to our busy weeknights. That combination of flavors the way the sauce hugs each piece of pasta it all comes together in such a beautiful way. My daughter calls it her "special dinner" and watching my family gather around the table enjoying every bite makes all the cooking worth it.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook pasta al dente?
Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce and provides better texture. It will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
- → Why caramelize the tomato paste?
Cooking tomato paste for 2-3 minutes helps develop deeper flavor and removes the raw taste, adding richness to the sauce.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- → Can I use different pasta?
While ditalini is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute other small pasta shapes that will hold the sauce well.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Yes, add more red pepper flakes to taste, or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild for extra heat.
Conclusion
This easy comfort food combines al dente ditalini pasta with Italian sausage in a rich parmesan cream sauce, ready in just 35 minutes. Similar to an elevated hamburger helper but made from scratch.