Best Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together rich, savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that delivers hearty flavors and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and quick this dish is to prepare without sacrificing taste. The bold flavors of Italian sausage pair wonderfully with the gentle texture of bow tie pasta, and the creamy tomato sauce ties everything together beautifully. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta never disappoints. Plus, it only needs a handful of ingredients, making it super accessible.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bow tie (farfalle) pasta

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)

• Olive oil

• Onion, chopped

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Crushed tomatoes

• Heavy cream

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to package instructions, draining it, and setting it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and translucent.

3. Then I add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Next, I remove the sausage from its casing, crumble it into the skillet, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.

5. I stir in the crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

6. I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. I season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Finally, I add the cooked bow tie pasta to the sauce, toss everything to coat evenly, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a bright, fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by using spicy Italian sausage to add more heat. For a lighter version, I use turkey sausage and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers is a great way to make it more nutritious. If I want a cheesy twist, I stir in a handful of mozzarella before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

I like to use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sausage for extra heat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I sometimes use penne, rigatoni, or rotini if I don’t have bow tie pasta on hand.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Can I make it dairy-free?

I’ve made it with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, and it still turns out creamy and delicious.

What can I serve with this pasta?

I usually serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, it’s always a hit—and I love how versatile it is with endless ways to tweak it to my taste.

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