There's something magical about a rich, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is exactly that—comforting, indulgent, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, and a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce makes this an irresistible meal.
I first made this dish on a whim, trying to combine my love for creamy pastas with the bold flavors of Italian sausage. The result? A recipe that has become a staple in my home, and one my family lovingly refers to as “Marry Me Pasta” because it’s just that good.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with this rich and flavorful pasta dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pan and a pot for boiling pasta, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
Second, the flavors are out of this world. The combination of savory Italian sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce creates the ultimate comfort meal.
It’s also versatile. You can use spicy or mild sausage, swap out ditalini for another pasta, or add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a personal touch.
And finally, it’s perfect for meal prep. This pasta reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in making this pasta unforgettable.
Ditalini Pasta – This small, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you don’t have ditalini, elbow macaroni or small shells work well too.
Italian Sausage – Adds bold, savory depth. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. For a lighter option, try turkey sausage.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These little flavor bombs bring a delicious tanginess that balances the richness of the cream sauce. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth – The perfect combo for a rich, creamy sauce that’s not too heavy. You can substitute half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty finish. Avoid pre-grated cheese, as it won’t melt as smoothly.
Garlic & Onion – These aromatics build a deep, savory base for the sauce. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
If you have a large skillet or Dutch oven, this recipe will come together even more effortlessly!
How To Make This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta

Making this pasta is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these steps for a flawless dish every time.
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ditalini pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Once fully cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a bit of olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Everything
Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the drained ditalini pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan and reserved pasta water, mixing until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to thicken.
6. Garnish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch!
This dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Storage Options
This pasta is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing – While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate when reheated. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating – To maintain the creamy texture, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:
Make It Spicy – Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Go Meatless – Swap out the sausage for mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Lighten It Up – Use turkey sausage, half-and-half instead of cream, and whole wheat pasta for a lighter take.
Add More Protein – Stir in grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in a handful of mozzarella or provolone cheese for an ultra-creamy sauce.
No matter how you tweak it, this Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s earned its name!
PrintCreamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Marry Me Ditalini Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender ditalini pasta, savory sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy parmesan sauce. It's a perfect comfort meal that's easy to make and sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook ditalini pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cooked ditalini pasta, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick of heat.
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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