German Spaghetti Sausage Cream

Category: Complete Meals with Minimal Cleanup

Al dente spaghetti comes together with bratwurst and knackwurst slices for satisfying depth and heartiness. The sausages are sautéed with sweet onion and garlic, then brought together with a rich, creamy sauce laced with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Gently tossing the pasta into the flavorful sauce ensures maximum creaminess, while a splash of reserved pasta water brings everything together. Salty, peppery, and deeply aromatic thanks to fresh herbs, this dish delivers a comforting taste of German flavors for family meals or festive gatherings. Pair with crusty bread for a truly complete experience.

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:51:26 GMT
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. Pin
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. | mellierecipes.com

This German Spaghetti Recipe brings together the comfort of pasta and the robust flavors of bratwurst and knackwurst in a rich creamy sauce. It is just the thing for when you want something hearty but still quick enough for a weeknight. Each forkful delivers that classic, savory sausage punch with velvety noodles and a hint of fresh herbs. It has become a favorite on cozy nights when I want a taste of something special without a lot of fuss.

I whipped this up the first time as a quick answer to leftover sausages and since then it has become our go to for chilly evenings in. The blend of silky sauce and the smoky sausages always brings everyone back to the table for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti: Eight ounces of classic spaghetti pasta provides chewy texture Choose a high quality dried Italian pasta for the best bite
  • Bratwurst sausages: Sliced bratwurst brings smokiness and a juicy texture Opt for fresh sausages from the butcher if possible
  • Knackwurst sausages: A different but complementary sausage that adds depth and a mild garlic kick Try to buy from a German deli for authentic flavor
  • Sweet onion: Finely chopped gives a caramel note and mild sweetness Look for firm onions with tight skin
  • Garlic: Minced for fragrant sharpness Crush cloves for maximum aroma
  • Heavy cream: This makes the sauce luscious and rich Use real heavy cream for the creamiest sauce
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated adds saltiness and deep umami Grate just before using for best melt
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley gives brightness and a fresh green finish Flat leaf parsley has more flavor
  • Salt and pepper: To bring everything together Season to taste but do not skip this step

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the aromatics:
Chop your sweet onion finely and mince the garlic to release essential flavors
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Drop in the spaghetti and stir Cook until the pasta is al dente with a bit of firmness Bite test a strand after about 8 minutes Reserve a half cup of the pasta water then drain
Sauté the sausages:
In a wide skillet over medium heat lay out the sliced bratwurst and knackwurst Let them brown on both sides turning after about three minutes per side for deep flavor
Add the onions:
Slide in the chopped onion and cook gently stirring until translucent and soft This step brings out the onion’s sweetness which balances the richness of the sausages
Build the sauce:
Add in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant about one minute Stir constantly to keep it from browning Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer Stir often as the sauce starts to thicken
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add your drained spaghetti right into the skillet Use tongs to toss everything together Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed so the sauce evenly coats the noodles
Finish and serve:
Turn off the heat Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley Mix until the cheese melts and the herbs are bright green Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed Serve right away for best texture
A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese. Pin
A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese. | mellierecipes.com

This dish is special to me because the blend of German sausages and creamy sauce reminds me of family dinners where everyone fought for the last scoop. Parsley is my favorite here for that burst of color and garden fresh taste on top.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well if placed in an airtight container in the fridge for three days The cream sauce may thicken but it loosens right back up when reheated with a little splash of milk or water Warm gently in a skillet to avoid separating the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

If knackwurst is hard to find you can use any mild smoked sausage or double the bratwurst For a lighter sauce try half and half instead of heavy cream Fresh oregano or chives make a nice substitute for parsley if you want a different herbal note

A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. Pin
A bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce. | mellierecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasta with a simple green salad and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal A sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving gives a beautiful savory finish For a bigger feast this pairs perfectly with a crisp German lager

Cultural and Historical Notes

This recipe takes inspiration from both classic German sausage pairings and Italian pasta nights It brings together flavors from both cultures in one easy and comforting meal Dishes like this are popular in Germany especially in home kitchens where Italian pasta merges with local sausage traditions

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of sausages work best in this dish?

Traditional German-style sausages like bratwurst and knackwurst bring authentic, savory flavor and hearty texture. Other mild, cooked sausages can also be used as a substitute.

→ How do you ensure spaghetti is perfectly al dente?

Boil the pasta in salted water, checking for tenderness a minute before the package time. Drain when it yields gently to the bite for optimal texture.

→ Does the sauce need to be thickened further?

The creamy sauce thickens naturally with simmering and Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water gradually until it coats the noodles luxuriously.

→ Can fresh herbs be substituted?

Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but you can use chives or basil for a different herbal note. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though flavor is milder.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

This meal is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sausage and sauce components in advance. Reheat gently and toss with cooked pasta just before serving.

German Spaghetti Sausage Cream

Creamy pasta, savory sausages, and fresh herbs bring rich German flavors to every comforting bite.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
25 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
35 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: German

Result Amount: 4 Portions (Serves 4)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Pasta

01 225 g dried spaghetti

→ Meat

02 2 bratwurst sausages, sliced into rounds
03 2 knackwurst sausages, sliced into rounds

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

04 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
05 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy and Cheese

06 240 ml heavy cream
07 50 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Herbs and Seasonings

08 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
09 Salt, to taste
10 Black pepper, to taste

How to Prepare

Step 01

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 02

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve approximately 120 ml of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.

Step 03

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bratwurst and knackwurst slices and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Step 04

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the sausages. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the onion is translucent.

Step 05

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently while stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 06

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and sausages, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.

Step 07

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Heat gently until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. Reserve some of the starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
  2. For a lighter version, substitute part of the heavy cream with whole milk or use low-fat cream.

Tools Required

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains milk and dairy products
  • Contains gluten (wheat)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 610
  • Fat Content: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 50 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams