If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It boasts tender bow tie pasta lovingly coated in a creamy tomato sauce, richly flavored with savory Italian sausage and a hint of garlic. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of hearty meatiness, comforting creaminess, and a touch of fresh basil that brings the whole plate to life. This meal is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each one plays a starring role—whether it’s the meaty Italian sausage bringing depth, creamy Parmesan cheesing things up, or bow tie pasta giving your dish that perfect texture and bite.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, casings removed): This is the heart of the dish, providing rich flavor and a savory, meaty texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Bow tie pasta (12 ounces): Its fun shape holds onto sauce beautifully, giving every forkful a wonderful coating of flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté your sausage and veggies to golden perfection.
- Onion (1, chopped): Offers natural sweetness and a depth of flavor when caramelized gently.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant punch that’s classic in Italian cooking and instantly elevates your sauce.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, undrained): The base of your sauce, providing fresh, vibrant tomato flavor with juicy texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives your dish a gentle spicy kick if you like things a little fiery.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance and brighten every ingredient.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Adds a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of color to your plate.
How to Make Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This is crucial because the salted water seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain well and set the pasta aside, ready to soak up all that delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and crisp slightly, allowing the fat and flavor to release into the pan—this forms the flavorful foundation of your sauce. Once cooked through, remove the sausage and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step softens the onion, releasing sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, careful not to let it burn, so it delivers that wonderful aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Next, stir in the heavy cream and let everything come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens—the cream mellows the tomato’s acidity while creating that rich, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and sausage.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Seasonings
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, letting the flavors marry and the sauce thicken just enough for a dreamy coating.
Step 6: Toss with the Pasta and Cheese
Finally, add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to make sure every piece gets covered in that luscious sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, stirring until it melts completely, bringing a creamy, cheesy finish that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, scatter fresh basil leaves over the dish. These add a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite, making this Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe feel truly special.
How to Serve Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or even a sprinkle of parsley work beautifully to add brightness at the end. A pinch more Parmesan cheese on top or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can take it up a notch. These simple additions make the dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can add extra color and nutrients alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual bowls with colorful basil chiffonade on top. Or plate it family-style in a vibrant ceramic dish right from the stove, encouraging everyone to dig in together. You could even stuff roasted bell peppers with the pasta for a fun twist that looks impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a tasty next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the pasta might soften slightly. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly and keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work beautifully and provide similar texture and flavor experiences.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
The heavy cream gives the sauce its signature rich and velvety texture. If you prefer a lighter option, whole milk or half-and-half can be substituted, though the sauce will be less creamy.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or even hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello to add an umami boost and meaty mouthfeel without the meat.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust it?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s totally optional. You can leave them out for a milder version or increase them if you like your pasta with a bit more kick.
What is the best way to remove the sausage casing?
Simply cut the sausage lengthwise with a sharp knife and peel away the casing before cooking. This allows you to crumble the sausage easily in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that’s easy to make yet delivers big on flavor. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want on rotation for busy weeknights or casual gatherings because it satisfies every craving with its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh elements. Give it a try and you might just find your new favorite go-to pasta dish!
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Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian dish featuring savory Italian sausage cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce, and tossed with tender bow tie pasta. This comforting meal is garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the diced tomatoes with their juice into the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season and Simmer: Add red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Adding a splash of white wine to the sauce in step 4 can add extra depth of flavor.
