Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both simple and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with savory Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and those perfectly tender bow tie pastas that just hold onto every bit of sauce like a dream. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a go-to for weeknights because it feels special but comes together so easily—you don’t have to be a pro chef to nail it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is in the balance of simple, quality ingredients that come together in a way that’s full-flavored and totally comforting. You’ll find that using fresh herbs and good-quality sausage really make a difference, so I always look for those at my local market.

• Bow tie pasta: Holds sauce beautifully thanks to its shape; don’t forget to salt your pasta water well!
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor in sautéing the sausage and veggies.
• Sweet Italian sausage: Removing casings and crumbling it gives even cooking and delicious texture.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds just the right touch of heat—adjust to your taste.
• Onion: Diced finely to soften and blend into the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens every bite.
• Italian diced tomatoes (canned): I prefer San Marzano-style for a sweeter, less acidic taste.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—don’t skimp here!
• Salt: Critical to bring all flavors together; add gradually and taste as you go.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts perfectly into the sauce and adds umami richness.
• Fresh basil: Chop it just before serving for the best vibrant flavor and color.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it based on what you have or prefer. I like to encourage you to make it your own—whether that means swapping out ingredients or adding something extra for your palate.

• Spicier kick: I’ve added extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne when I’m really craving heat, and it’s fantastic.
• Greens boost: Adding fresh spinach or kale towards the end is a great way to sneak in some veggies.
• Dairy-free version: I’ve swapped heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream when cooking for friends who avoid dairy—still creamy and delicious!
• Different sausage types: Feel free to try spicy Italian sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter touch.

How to Make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and cook the bow tie pasta just until al dente—usually about a minute less than package directions. Trust me, you want that slight firmness so the pasta holds up in the sauce without getting mushy. Once drained, don’t rinse! The leftover starch clings to the pasta and helps the sauce stick beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the crumbled Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring and breaking the sausage apart until browned evenly—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step layers amazing flavor that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce with Tomatoes and Cream

Pour in the canned Italian diced tomatoes along with their juices, stir in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the salt. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. This slow simmer blends the acidity of the tomatoes with the richness of the cream perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly into the skillet and stir well to coat each piece in that luscious sauce. Let it cook in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes so the flavors fully meld and the sauce thickens up nicely. Remove from heat, then stir in freshly chopped basil and grated parmesan until everything is combined and melty. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a glossy finish. If you like a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs scattered over the dish add a satisfying texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta goes beautifully with a crisp, green side salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or garlic bread when you’re craving something warm and buttery. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also complement the richness of the sauce really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like serving this in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a small basil sprig and a lemon wedge on the side for brightness. If you’re entertaining, drizzle a little truffle oil or add thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the presentation and flavor. It always feels festive in these small touches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken, so adding a splash of milk or water when reheating helps loosen it back up to that creamy consistency.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you defrost, do so overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove with a little extra cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a bit of cream, milk, or broth helps restore that silky texture. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring after each interval.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s such a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. It’s perfect when you want a rich, comforting meal without slaving away for hours. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and the best part is sharing it with people you love. Give it a try next time you want a hearty dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it, with none of the fuss!

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