Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a fuss-free meal packed with satisfying flavors and comforting textures, look no further than Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta. This recipe weaves together robust Italian sausage, tender farfalle pasta, a velvety tomato cream sauce, and just the right sprinkle of Parmesan and basil. The result? An easygoing dinner that feels both cozy and impressive, perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta lies in its lineup of simple but impactful ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building bold flavor, rich sauce, and color that pops on the plate—proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
- Bow tie pasta (farfalle): Those adorable “bow ties” hold onto just the right amount of creamy, savory sauce with every bite.
- Italian sausage: Go for classic, chicken, or turkey sausage; either way, you’ll get that signature, herb-laced flavor and hearty texture.
- Olive oil: A splash is all you need to sauté the sausage and aromatics, coaxing out their flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a fragrant, punchy base to the sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion softens into sweetness and builds depth with every simmer.
- Crushed tomatoes: These add body, acidity, and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Tomato sauce: A dollop ensures the sauce is smooth and rich.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that brightens everything up—totally up to your heat tolerance!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that gives those subtle, familiar Italian undertones.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: This brings a luscious creaminess that softens the acidity and makes the sauce utterly craveable.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melty, nutty, and savory, it finishes the sauce on a high note and is also great for garnish.
- Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled, it adds punchy freshness and a hit of color.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic duo that balances everything out perfectly.
How to Make Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First up, get that big pot of water boiling! Add a generous pinch of salt to truly season the pasta from the inside out. Once bubbling, drop in your bow ties and cook until delightfully al dente, following the package directions. Drain them, but don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water in case your sauce needs loosening later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While your pasta’s going, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon so you get crumbly, golden brown bites. Cook it through—about 5 to 7 minutes—then scoop it onto a plate and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet (hello, less cleanup!), add your minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them for two to three minutes until they’re soft, fragrant, and welcoming. This is where your kitchen starts to smell downright irresistible!
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re after a little zip. Stir it all together and let everything simmer for five minutes. This melding time brings the flavors together in the most magical way.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Now comes the swoon-worthy moment: turn down the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and grated Parmesan. Let everything blend until the sauce is creamy, dreamy, and perfectly silky.
Step 6: Return the Sausage
Slide the cooked sausage back into the skillet and give it a good stir. All those savory bits get coated in your luscious sauce, making every mouthful something to look forward to.
Step 7: Toss With Pasta
Add the drained bow tie pasta straight into the skillet. Toss until each piece is draped in sauce and every bite promises a bit of everything—sausage, cheese, and that comforting tomato base.
Step 8: Garnish and Plate
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also brings one last burst of flavor and color to your Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta.
How to Serve Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta
Garnishes
Shower your pasta with freshly torn basil leaves and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese right before serving. If you’re feeling festive, a little extra black pepper or some red pepper flakes scattered on top add both flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or a basket of warm garlic bread for scooping up the last bits of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccolini, also make a colorful and fresh addition to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta a restaurant-style flourish by serving it in shallow bowls with a big twirl in the center, topped with extra sauce and a basil sprig. For casual gatherings, try offering it family-style in a large serving dish so everyone can dig in together. Tiny pasta bowls for a party or a cozy pasta bar night are always a hit, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta, just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep for 3 to 4 days, making an easy, tasty lunch or dinner for later in the week.
Freezing
This pasta also freezes well! Spoon the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to two months. For the best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring and adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. It’s just as delicious reheated, and the flavors only deepen with time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bow ties are charming and hold onto the sauce nicely, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli make wonderful substitutes without changing the heart of this Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta.
Is Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta very spicy?
It doesn’t have to be. The red pepper flakes are totally optional, so you can tailor the heat to your taste. Choose a mild sausage for a gentle flavor, or a spicy one if you love a little kick!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out the heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternative (like oat cream or coconut cream), and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The sauce will still be velvety and flavorful.
What’s the best way to cook the sausage?
For the tastiest results, brown the sausage thoroughly in the skillet so it gets a little crispy on the edges, which adds both flavor and texture to the finished Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all blend beautifully right into the sauce, making your bowl even more colorful and nutritious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something utterly joyful about sharing a warming bowl of Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish for friends, it’s the kind of recipe that always delivers comfort and smiles. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
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Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta recipe combines savory Italian sausage with a creamy tomato sauce, served over al dente bow tie pasta. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Bow Tie Pasta:
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (turkey or chicken sausage works too)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Sauté garlic and onion. Add tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer. Stir in cream, cheese, and return sausage. Toss with pasta.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Feel free to substitute with your favorite type of sausage.
- For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken sausage and low-fat cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Italian Sausage, Bow Tie Pasta, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Italian Dinner Recipe
