Creamy Bratwurst pasta with mustard sauce and sliced Bratwurst.

A Perfect Blend of German and Italian Comfort Food

There are some dishes that feel instantly comforting from the very first bite, and this creamy Bratwurst pasta is one of them. It combines the savoury richness of German Bratwurst with the indulgent creaminess of an Italian pasta dish, creating a meal that is warming, satisfying and full of character. Even though pasta is not traditionally German, this recipe feels completely authentic thanks to the use of classic German mustard, onions, cream and high-quality Bratwurst.

In Germany, sausages often end up in hearty stews or pan-fried dishes, but more and more modern kitchens — both commercial and home-based — are exploring the joy of German sausage pasta dishes. This recipe captures that spirit beautifully. The Bratwurst brings savoury depth, the onions add sweetness, and the mustard gives the sauce a tangy aromatic lift that makes the whole dish come alive.

Why This Creamy Bratwurst Pasta Recipe Works So Well

A New Way to Use Bratwurst

Most people think of Bratwurst as something that belongs on the grill, in a bun or next to sauerkraut — and while those are delicious options, Bratwurst pasta recipes open up an entirely new world of flavours. The mild seasoning inside Bratwurst lends itself exceptionally well to creamy sauces, especially those that use mustard.

The texture of sliced Bratwurst is ideal for pasta dishes:

• it browns beautifully

• it adds savoury depth

• it stays juicy

• it integrates perfectly with the sauce

This is why pasta with Bratwurst and mustard sauce works so perfectly — the sausage flavour permeates the dish without overwhelming it.

The Star of the Dish: The Mustard Cream Sauce

A Sauce Built on German Tradition

The sauce in this creamy Bratwurst pasta is simple but incredibly flavourful. It uses:

• German mustard (Mittelscharf or wholegrain)

• cream

• garlic

• onions

• optional white wine

• parmesan or hard cheese

• a splash of pasta water

The result is a silky, aromatic, savoury sauce with just the right level of tang. It feels like a meeting point between a German pub classic and an Italian trattoria dish.

This is what makes the recipe so unique — it feels familiar, comforting, and international at the same time.

An Easy One-Pan Bratwurst Pasta for Any Kitchen

Perfect for Busy Families and Pub Menus

This easy Bratwurst pasta fits beautifully into:

• weekday dinners

• pub lunch specials

• winter comfort-food menus

• simple catering solutions

• family-style meals

It’s a one-pan Bratwurst pasta that requires very little technical skill. Anyone can cook it, and the result tastes like something served in a cosy modern bistro.

The steps are simple:

1. Fry sliced Bratwurst until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic.
3. Stir in mustard and cream.
4. Fold in pasta with a splash of water.
5. Finish with cheese and herbs.

It doesn’t get easier — yet the flavours feel restaurant-worthy.

Choosing the Right Pasta for Bratwurst

Shape Matters

While you can use any pasta, certain shapes work best for a creamy Bratwurst pasta recipe:

• fusilli

• penne

• farfalle

• rigatoni

• orecchiette

These shapes hold the sauce, catch the sausage slices and create a delicious bite every time.

Long noodles like spaghetti can be used, but short pasta works far better.

The Importance of Onions & Garlic

Onions and garlic add a flavour foundation that elevates the entire dish. In many German kitchens, onions are used liberally in Bratwurst dishes — from Bratkartoffelpfanne to beer and onion gravy. Bringing them into this German sausage pasta maintains that culinary continuity.

Their sweetness balances the tang of the mustard and the richness of the cream.

Herbs That Work Best with This German-Inspired Pasta

The most suitable herbs include:

• parsley

• chives

• thyme

• oregano

Fresh herbs brighten the dish, especially since creamy sauces can feel heavy without a fresh element.

Why You’ll Love This Bratwurst Pasta Dish

This creamy Bratwurst pasta is:

• comforting

• family-friendly

• flavourful

• budget-friendly

• easy to prepare

• loaded with German character

It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without being complicated. It brings together the heartiness of German cuisine with the creamy richness of Italian comfort food — and it does so effortlessly.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this dish with:

• a crisp lager

• a wheat beer

• a glass of dry Riesling

• a simple side salad

• garlic bread

• roasted vegetables

The beer and mustard flavours pair beautifully with pale ales and pilsners.

Creamy Bratwurst Pasta with Mustard Sauce

This creamy Bratwurst pasta is a delicious German-inspired twist on a classic comfort dish. Juicy sliced Bratwurst is pan-fried until golden, then tossed in a rich creamy mustard sauce and folded through al dente pasta. It’s an easy Bratwurst pasta recipe that combines the warmth of German flavours with the satisfying feel of Italian-style creamy pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, pub specials or anyone wanting a hearty and flavour-packed Bratwurst pasta dish, this recipe quickly becomes a family favourite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: German, Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 250 g pasta fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best
• Salt for cooking water

For the Bratwurst & Sauce

• 3-4 Bratwursts sliced into coins or half-moons
• 1 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp German mustard Mittelscharf
• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard optional, for texture
• 200 ml double cream
• 50 ml pasta water as needed
• 50 g grated Parmesan or similar hard cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives chopped

Optional Add-Ins

• Splash of white wine 30–50 ml
• A handful of peas or spinach
• Pinch of paprika or chilli flakes

Method

 

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Reserve ½ cup (about 100 ml) of pasta water.
4. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Bratwurst

1. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced Bratwurst.
3. Fry for 5–7 minutes until golden and lightly crispy on the edges.
4. Remove the Bratwurst from the pan and set aside (leave the fat in the pan).

Sauté the Onion & Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion.
2. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
3. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Build the Mustard Cream Sauce

1. Stir in the German mustard (and wholegrain mustard if using).
2. Pour in the cream and stir to combine.
3. Add a splash of white wine if you want extra depth (optional).
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta & Bratwurst

1. Return the browned Bratwurst slices to the skillet.
2. Add the cooked pasta.
3. Toss everything together until coated in sauce.
4. Add pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Finish & Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning.
2. Stir in peas, spinach or herbs (optional).
3. Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top.
4. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

1. Serve with a side salad for freshness.
2. Garlic bread pairs beautifully with the mustard cream.
3. A cold lager, wheat beer or dry Riesling is a perfect match.