Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with savory Italian sausage and a rich tomato cream sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is simple yet packed with satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bow tie (farfalle) pasta
Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
olive oil
garlic, minced
onion, chopped
crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and black pepper
fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, crumble it into the skillet, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop flavor.
Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sausage sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Swap bow tie pasta for penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta you have on hand.
Top with shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep it saucy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Absolutely, jarred marinara works perfectly and saves time.
What goes well with this pasta?
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that delivers big on comfort and flavor. With savory sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Try it once and you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
PrintItalian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish made with savory Italian sausage, tender farfalle pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat if you like it spicy.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.