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With a flavorful combination of bratwurst sausages, creamy sauce, and a perfect blend of spices, this easy dinner recipe will become one of your new favorites. Let's get cooking!
This was inspired by our Fettuccine Alfredo recipe, and pairs well with roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli. Be sure to check out our other Easy Weeknight Dinners and Side Dish Recipes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review: Vickie says, "Love it!!! Easy, simple, great ingredients and loved this dish!! Will make again."
Secret To Making This Recipe
The Secret to making this Leftover Bratwurst Pasta truly exceptional lies in the creamy sauce.
The combination of heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and velvety base that perfectly complements the savory sausage. The addition of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper adds a nice kick of heat for those who enjoy a little bit of spice.
Here's What You Need
- pasta - Use your favorite pasta shape, like rotini, rigatoni, or penne pasta.
- leftover bratwurst sausages - Sliced into small pieces.
You can use any type of leftover bratwurst sausages, such as beer brats, spicy Italian sausages, or turkey sausages, depending on your preference.
Not sure how to grill brats? Check out our easy recipe for Grilled Beer Brats. - heavy cream - Heavy cream and butter are combined to create the base of this creamy dish.
- parmesan cheese - Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is best because the cheese has no additives that prevent the it from melting into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- nutmeg - A few shavings of freshly grated nutmeg using a microplane will give the best flavor to the sauce.
- fresh parsley for garnish (optional) - Freshly minced Italian parsley adds a fresh aromatic flavor to the finished dish. The minced, green fresh herbs also look beautiful sprinkled on top of the pasta.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- For a spicier kick, you can use spicy Italian sausages or add some cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes (adjust to your desired level of spiciness).
- garlic or garlic powder - A little bit of garlic is a great way to add flavor to this delicious recipe.
- Feel free to add some colorful bell peppers or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a slightly tangy taste, add a dollop of sour cream to the sauce.
- Dairy free option - Skip the dairy and create a sauce with chicken broth thickened with corn starch.
- Make it extra creamy by adding softened cream cheese.
- Use tomato paste to thicken and add nice umami flavor.
- Top it with some shredded cheddar cheese.
- yellow onion - Grilled or sautéed onions go so well with brats and are a great add-in.
How to Make Leftover Brat Pasta
This easy pasta recipe is simple to make in under 30 minutes.
- Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente.
Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
Note: Pasta water should be salty like the sea. So, be sure to add plenty of salt to the water. We put two handfuls or about ¼ cup of salt into 5 quarts of boiling water.
- Sauté the Bratwursts. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté leftover bratwurst slices and cook until they are lightly browned and heated through.
Remove the brats from the pan and set them aside for later.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce. Add the butter, and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring it to a boil while whisking them together. Continue whisking until the sauce has reduced by half.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until it's evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Spices. Stir the parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce until it melts and creates a smooth cheesy sauce.
Add some nutmeg, and salt to taste. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it by adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Add in the Brats and Toss to Combine. Add in the sliced brats and toss to combine.
- Serve with Parmesan Cheese. Serve this delicious pasta topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a garnish of chopped green Italian parsley.
We love to serve this cheesy pasta with some lightly toasted crostini, or some homemade garlic bread sticks.
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Helpful Tips
- To avoid the pasta from becoming mushy, slightly undercook it (al denté) while boiling as it will continue to cook in the skillet.
- If you're using uncooked bratwursts, cook them separately before slicing and adding them to the skillet. Be sure to check out our easy recipe for Grilled Beer Brats.
Recipe FAQS
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use any type of sausage you have on hand or prefer.
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine them when you're ready to serve, and warm the mixture on the stovetop or in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Leftover Bratwurst Pasta with a side of steamed vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad, like our Copycat Panera Greek Salad, for a well-balanced meal.
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📖 Recipe
Leftover Bratwurst Pasta Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta May substitute penne pasta or your favorite shape of pasta.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 4 leftover bratwurst sausages sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley minced
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Brats. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté leftover bratwurst slices and cook until they are lightly browned and heated through. Remove the brats from the pan and set them aside for later.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce. Add the butter, and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring it to a boil while whisking them together. Continue whisking until the sauce has reduced by half. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until it's evenly coated.
- Add the Cheese and Spices. Stir the parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce until it melts and creates a smooth cheesy sauce. Add some nutmeg, and salt to taste.
- Add in the Brats and Toss to Combine. Add in the sliced brats and toss to combine.
- Serve with Parmesan Cheese. Serve this delicious pasta topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a garnish of chopped green Italian parsley. We love to serve this cheesy pasta with some lightly toasted crostini, or some homemade garlic bread sticks.
Video
Seasons01 says
I came here because I needed to use up 2 brats we had grilled on Wednesday. But I didn't have all the ingredients for the sauce. But I still loved the idea.
I boiled Cascatelli and Bow-tie noodles. and grabbed a can of white garlic sauce poured that in a large frying pan, and added shredded permission cheese from a bag. Then added my cut brats to heat up. While I was doing this I had put some frozen broccoli in the microwave. Pulled that out and stuck it in the sauce to finish cooking. Then I decided I needed mushrooms so I fried them up with butter and garlic salt. Then added that to the pan. Mixed it all up, added a bit more parmesan, and then the noodles.
This was awesome. I'm giving you a 5-star for the idea! Thanks! This fed 3 people but we were starving and had a little left over. Normally this would feed 4 at least. Also, I boiled extra noodles so I have those left over also.
Seanna Borrows says
I'm so glad you were able to make such a wonderful meal! Sounds delicious! You are so kind to leave a 5 star rating. It means so much to me. Hope you'll be back!
Russ B says
Great idea for use of leftover brats! Looks amazing!!
Seanna Borrows says
Thanks Russ!