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Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining spicy Italian sausage with al dente bow tie pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The recipe is easy to customize, family-friendly, and uses minimal pans for less cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casing removed)
  • 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use, and set aside.
  2. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add minced garlic to the cooked sausage in the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-8 minutes to blend flavors and thicken slightly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked bow tie pasta into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top to add brightness and color. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce.
  • Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it bind to the pasta.
  • Cook garlic gently to avoid burning; stir frequently over medium heat.
  • Serve immediately as the pasta absorbs sauce quickly and is best fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, bow tie pasta, creamy sausage pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner