Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that blends savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a satisfying, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. With a balance of rich flavors and a creamy texture, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bow tie pastaitalian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)olive oiloniongarlicdiced tomatoesheavy creamparmesan cheesefresh basil or parsley (for garnish)salt and pepperred pepper flakes (optional)
directions
Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes (with their juice) and bring to a simmer.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Substitute penne or rigatoni if you don’t have bow tie pasta.
Try sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense tomato flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of cream or milk if the pasta seems dry.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of butter for a lighter sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the sausage and whether you add red pepper flakes.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use a plant-based sausage and ensure your cheese is vegetarian.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light red like Chianti or a dry white like Pinot Grigio pairs well.
How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it longer or add a bit of Parmesan to help thicken.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger pot to ensure even cooking.
What herbs go well in this dish?
Basil, oregano, or thyme complement the flavors beautifully.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
No, canned diced tomatoes with skins work fine for this recipe.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together creamy sauce, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and ideal for both casual dinners and family gatherings. Try it once, and it just might become a regular on your dinner menu.
Print
Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One‑pot (skillet) pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and savory pasta dish featuring bow tie (farfalle) pasta tossed with crumbled Italian sausage in a rich tomato‑cream sauce, brightened with spinach and parsley.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can Italian‑style plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
- Add sausage (and red pepper flakes if using); cook, crumbling the meat, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook until the onion is softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and heavy cream; reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing until everything is coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage—or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, substitute with ¼ cup melted butter plus ¾ cup milk.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of cream or water.
- For extra flavor, stir in freshly grated Parmesan or basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 748 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 769 mg
- Fat: 51 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
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