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.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, bow tie pasta, creamy sausage pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner