Brats and Pasta Recipes You'll Love to Make

Pasta and bratwurst are a match made in culinary heaven. Combining hearty flavors with comforting textures, this duo creates mouthwatering dishes perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal prep.

Whether you're a busy parent looking for an easy dinner idea or a pasta lover ready to experiment, we've curated some incredible brats-and-pasta recipes to inspire your next meal.

Why Pair Brats with Pasta?

Brats, short for bratwursts, are German sausages known for their rich, smoky flavor and satisfying texture. When paired with pasta, you get a balanced meal that's filling, versatile, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, this combo works well with a variety of sauces, vegetables, and spices, making it easy to customize and cater to different taste preferences.

Now, let's break down some crowd-pleasing recipes that mix brats with pasta into unforgettable meals.

Recipe 1: Creamy Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Brats

Ingredients

• 4 bratwursts, grilled and sliced
• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil fettuccine according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant, and stir in the heavy cream. Slowly mix in Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
3. Add brats: Toss in the grilled bratwurst slices and cooked pasta. Combine thoroughly to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
4. Season and garnish: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Pro tip: Use spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Recipe 2: Bratwurst Bolognese Pasta

Ingredients

• 4 bratwursts, removed from casings and crumbled
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Bratwurst Bolognese: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add crumbled bratwurst and cook until browned. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in marinara sauce and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3. Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Pro tip: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.

Recipe 3: Rustic Bratwurst and Veggie Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 4 bratwursts, cooked and sliced
• 16 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the veggies: Drizzle zucchini and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and roast them in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes.
3. Assemble the bake: Combine cooked pasta, bratwurst slices, roasted veggies, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella in a baking dish. Mix well.
4. Add the topping: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and breadcrumbs (if using) on top. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve warm.

Pro tip: This dish is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully for busy weeknights.

Recipe 4: One-Pot Cajun Brats and Pasta

Ingredients

• 4 bratwursts, sliced
• 12 oz pasta (fusilli or penne works best)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Sauté the brats: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add bratwurst slices and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot, sautéing until soft. Stir in Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
3. Add pasta and liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the pasta. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
4. Finish the dish: Toss in the cooked bratwurst and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Pro tip: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of flavor and color.

Why Home Cooks Love These Recipes

These brats-and-pasta recipes are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners when time is limited, and they can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Using minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, these dishes deliver maximum flavor every time.

Take Your Pasta Nights to the Next Level

If you’re a pasta lover looking to upgrade your recipe repertoire, these brats-and-pasta combinations are a must-try! With options ranging from creamy Alfredo to spicy Cajun flavors, there’s something to suit every palate and occasion. Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal tonight.