If you’re craving a dish that brings together all the vibrant flavors of Italy with a comforting twist, look no further than this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe. This recipe perfectly balances savory Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, creamy tomato sauce, and that iconic Parmesan finish. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a go-to in my kitchen for both occasions. The bow tie pasta adds a fun shape that holds all that rich sauce, delivering every bite packed with flavor and satisfaction.

Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the hearty sausage for depth, the bell peppers for sweetness and crunch, or the blend of herbs that tells your taste buds they’re in Italy.

Italian sausage (1 pound): Provides rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
Bow tie pasta (1 pound): Its unique shape holds the sauce beautifully and adds fun to your plate.
Olive oil, extra virgin (2 tablespoons): Adds silky richness and helps brown the sausage to perfection.
Onion, medium and chopped (1): Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Red bell pepper, chopped (1): Adds vibrant color and a sweet bite.
Yellow bell pepper, chopped (1): Brings a bright, mellow sweetness and texture contrast.
Canned crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Creates a rich, hearty base for the sauce.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates that tomato flavor with an intense umami boost.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings classic Italian herbiness.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle fragrant note to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the dish a gentle kick, adjustable to taste.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens and enriches the sauce with savory depth.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Smooths out acidity and adds luscious creaminess.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup plus more for serving): Elevates the sauce with nutty and salty notes.
Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Offers freshness and a pop of color as garnish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.

How to Make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even browning. Cook until it’s fully browned and deliciously caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Removing it from the skillet allows you to build incredible flavor with the vegetables next.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Leaving the sausage’s rendered fat in the pan adds fantastic depth. Cook the chopped onion until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds your flavor foundation and sets the stage for the garlic and peppers.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Bell Peppers

Stir in the minced garlic along with the vibrant red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the peppers soften just a bit, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma — this step wakes up the sauce with fresh, sweet notes.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. This luscious, chunky mixture forms the heart of your sauce, rich with tomato goodness and perfectly balanced acidity.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. These seasonings create that unmistakable Italian flavor profile while letting you control the heat level. Season with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance every layer of flavor.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Bring your sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer allows all those flavors to mingle and deepen — patience here pays off with every bite.

Step 7: Add Chicken Broth and Cream

Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream to your sauce, giving it a silky smooth texture and a subtle richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.

Step 8: Incorporate the Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the skillet, folding it perfectly into the creamy tomato sauce. This reunites the hearty meat with the sauce for a harmonious blend.

Step 9: Add Parmesan Cheese

Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce adding depth, nuttiness, and a little tang. This step truly rounds out the flavors and brings everything together.

Step 10: Taste and Adjust

Now’s the moment to taste your creation. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Fine-tuning here ensures the sauce is perfectly tailored to your palate.

Step 11: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your bow tie pasta until it’s al dente—firm but tender, ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 12: Reserve Pasta Water and Drain

Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the flavorful starchy pasta water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 13: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained bow tie pasta back into the skillet with your rich sausage and tomato sauce. Toss everything together to coat each pasta “bow” generously, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 14: Adjust Consistency and Serve

If your sauce feels a bit thick, stir in reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect smooth consistency. Serve the Italian sausage bow tie pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a wow-worthy presentation.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a delightful brightness and pops of green that make the dish visually appealing and more vibrant in flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese on top—it adds that perfect salty hit every Italian dish craves.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread is another classic side that’s perfect for sopping up extra sauce — trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Garnish with whole parsley leaves or even a few fresh basil leaves for an extra herbaceous kick. This little extra effort elevates your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe from everyday dinner to something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta dish, though the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve the best quality, freeze the pasta and sauce together for convenience when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even warmth. This way, your dish stays creamy and delicious, tasting just as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use spicy Italian sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add some extra heat to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick with sweet sausage or adjust the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though your sauce will be less rich and creamy. Coconut milk is another option for a dairy-free twist.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! While bow tie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or rotini also work well because their shapes capture the sauce’s deliciousness effectively.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same for a flavorful meatless meal.

Is this dish freezer-friendly after cooking?

Yes, the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe freezes well. Just be mindful that the pasta texture might soften a bit after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe — it’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or feeding friends, this dish feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorites too!