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Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

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Hearty pasta dish combining spicy Italian sausage, bow tie (farfalle) pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. 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.
  7. Stir in chopped basil or parsley just before serving.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/italian-sausage-with-bow-tie-pasta/