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Creamy Bratwurst pasta in a skillet with sliced Bratwurst, mustard cream sauce and fresh herbs

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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.