Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a hearty and satisfying dish that blends the bold, savory flavor of Italian sausage with tender bow tie pasta and a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels comforting and indulgent. This dish delivers robust taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for family meals or casual entertaining.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bow tie pastaitalian sausages (mild or spicy, casings removed)olive oilgarliconioncrushed tomatoesheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)basil (fresh or dried)saltblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional)
directions
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for more veggies.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Use penne or rigatoni if bow tie pasta isn’t available.
Top with mozzarella and broil briefly for a cheesy finish.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage?
Yes, both are great leaner alternatives to traditional Italian sausage.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate for best texture.
What kind of cream should I use?
Heavy cream provides the richest flavor, but you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on your sausage choice. Use mild sausage to keep it kid-friendly.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! Parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta work well stirred in.
How can I make it more saucy?
Increase the amount of crushed tomatoes and cream slightly.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied red like Chianti or a white like Pinot Grigio works great.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a flavorful, comforting meal that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious result. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and elegant enough for guests. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Hearty pasta dish combining spicy Italian sausage, bow tie (farfalle) pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in chopped basil or parsley just before serving.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat or turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Make it gluten-free by using GF pasta.
- Make ahead: prepare sauce, cool, and refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
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