If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines the perfect balance of savory sausage, vibrant veggies, and a creamy tomato sauce all tossed with bow tie pasta, you’ve got to try this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. It’s a full-flavored meal that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Every bite bursts with warmth and richness, making it a go-to dish that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role—from the spicy kick of sausage to the fresh crunch of bell peppers, and the creamy, cheesy finish that ties it all together.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Use sweet or hot depending on your spice preference, removed from casings for easy browning.
- Bow tie pasta (1 pound): Farfalle holds sauce beautifully and adds a fun shape to the dish.
- Olive oil, extra virgin (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity base flavor and helps brown the sausage evenly.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
- Red bell pepper (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and bright color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1 medium, chopped): Balances with its mild flavor and vibrant hue.
- Canned crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Forms the juicy, tangy base of the sauce.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor for depth.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds classic Italian herb fragrance.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Complements oregano with sweet, peppery notes.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon or to taste): Provides a subtle heat that wakes up the sauce.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce and adds savory undertones.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious, creamy texture that mellows the acidity.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup plus more for serving): Offers nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
How to Make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Browning the sausage deeply builds the flavor foundation. Once browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, remove the sausage and set it aside to keep those flavors locked in.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Keep any rendered fat in the pan and add your chopped onion. Cook gently over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step sweetens the onions and creates a fragrant bed for the sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Bell Peppers
Stir in minced garlic along with the vibrant red and yellow bell peppers. Let everything cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to soften the peppers while releasing the garlic’s aroma without burning it. This adds both texture and a sunny pop of color.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine well with your sautéed veggies. This rich tomato base is the heart of the sauce, thick and robust.
Step 5: Add Herbs and Spices
Season the sauce with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. These dried herbs infuse classic Mediterranean warmth and the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of zing to elevate the flavors.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 to 30 minutes to deepen the flavors. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom and every ingredient gets cozy in the sauce.
Step 7: Add Chicken Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. This balances acidity with smooth richness, turning your sauce into a luscious, velvety dream.
Step 8: Incorporate the Sausage
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir it into your creamy tomato sauce. This brings back that savory pocket of flavor into the dish.
Step 9: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, folding it in to melt and thicken the sauce with cheesy goodness.
Step 10: Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a taste and tweak any salt, pepper, or heat levels just to your liking. This step is where the magic personalizes.
Step 11: Boil the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, offering that perfect tender bite without being mushy.
Step 12: Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This secret ingredient helps adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 13: Drain the Pasta
Drain your bow tie pasta well, preparing it to mingle with that savory sauce.
Step 14: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the drained pasta into the skillet with the sausage tomato sauce. Toss gently until every piece of pasta is coated luxuriously.
Step 15: Adjust Consistency
If your sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you hit the perfect creamy yet clingy texture.
Step 16: Serve Immediately
Now’s the moment! Plate the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe while it’s warm and inviting.
Step 17: Garnish
Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan for an eye-catching, flavorful finish.
How to Serve Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright parsley and a final shower of grated Parmesan bring freshness and that classic cheesy punch. You could also add a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper if you want a little extra flair or heat.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides like a mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic bread, or even garlicky sautéed spinach to balance its rich, creamy components.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe in individual shallow bowls to showcase the colorful peppers and sprinkle garnishes right on top. Or, for a cozy family style, dish it out on a large platter right from the skillet so everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, freeze the sauce separately from the cooked pasta. Store sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick. Microwave works too if covered, stirring every minute to heat evenly without drying.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and works well in this recipe, though the flavor might be milder. Consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less creamy. Adding a little extra Parmesan can help maintain richness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the bow tie pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce remains just as flavorful without any changes.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is adjustable—using hot Italian sausage or adding more red pepper flakes will spice it up, while removing or reducing them will keep it mild and family-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach blend beautifully in this sauce and add nutritional variety without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. It’s packed with layers of flavor, comforting textures, and a vibrant color palette that’s sure to brighten any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish invites you to savor every bite. Give it a whirl—you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy Italian comfort food!
Print
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a comforting family dinner. Featuring savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich creamy tomato sauce, it combines classic Italian flavors with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The bow tie pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in a luscious sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, creating a satisfying and hearty meal that can serve 6 to 8 people.
Ingredients
Sausage and Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings (sweet or hot)
- 1 pound Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 28 ounces Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Leave any rendered fat in the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Bell Peppers: Add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened and garlic is fragrant.
- Build the Tomato Base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Mix in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-30 minutes to blend flavors. Stir occasionally.
- Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream until sauce is smooth.
- Incorporate the Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix into the sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain pasta in a colander.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta immediately to enjoy at peak flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese on each serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat by choosing sweet or hot Italian sausage and adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it stick better to the pasta.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil on top before serving adds extra brightness.
