Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Italian sausage with bow tie pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce in one satisfying bowl. The farfalle (bow tie) pasta catches every bit of the rich sauce, making each bite perfectly saucy and comforting. I love how quickly it comes together for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also crowd-pleasing enough for a casual get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and savory. The sausage adds bold flavor, the sauce is luxuriously smooth, and the pasta gives the perfect bite. It’s easy to prepare, totally customizable, and tastes like something I’d get at my favorite Italian restaurant—but made at home with everyday ingredients.

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, casings removed)
olive oil
onion (chopped)
garlic cloves (minced)
crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
heavy cream or half-and-half
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
grated parmesan cheese
fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I cook the bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.

3. I add the chopped onion and garlic to the sausage and cook for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. I stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). I let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes.

5. I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer for another few minutes until slightly thickened.

6. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.

7. I finish it off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. I’ve also added spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor. For a more decadent twist, I stir in a little cream cheese or shredded mozzarella. When I want it dairy-free, I skip the cream and use a splash of broth and a little non-dairy milk for a lighter, creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to life. It can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between. This pasta freezes well too—I cool it completely, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best?

I usually use mild or spicy Italian pork sausage, but chicken or turkey sausage also work great.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini all hold the sauce well and make great alternatives.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage and whether I add red pepper flakes. I adjust the heat based on who I’m cooking for.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the sauce ahead and store it separately. Then I just reheat and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

I let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or add a small handful of parmesan cheese to help it cling to the pasta.

Conclusion

Italian sausage with bow tie pasta is a warm, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that always satisfies. It’s simple to prepare, full of cozy Italian flavors, and perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests without much fuss. Whether I’m making it for a quick dinner or a weekend meal, this recipe never fails to deliver.

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