Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting yet impressive dish that everyone will rave about, look no further than this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich creamy tomato sauce, it’s a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. The bow tie pasta adds a playful texture while soaking up every ounce of the luscious sauce, making each bite a delicious experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner with friends, this recipe is your ticket to a crowd-pleaser that feels both special and homely.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe are straightforward but essential, working together to create layers of flavor, vibrant color, and perfect texture. Every item plays a key role, from the savory sausage to the creamy cheese and fresh parsley that brighten the dish.

• 1 pound Italian sausage: Provides a hearty, spicy base flavor essential for authentic taste.
• 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle): Adds a fun shape that holds sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch throughout the sauce.
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped: Contributes bright flavor and eye-catching contrast.
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes: Forms a thick and flavorful sauce base.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and deepens the sauce’s color.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers aromatic herbal notes that elevate the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a classic Italian herb fragrance.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens and brightens the sauce’s texture.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Provides a luscious creaminess that rounds out acidity.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds salty richness and a hint of nuttiness.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous garnish to brighten each bite.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that balances all the flavors.

How to Make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the sausage is beautifully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to keep those juices intact for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, leave any tasty rendered fat behind and add the chopped onion. Cook it over medium heat until it softens and becomes translucent. This step takes about 5 minutes and creates a sweet, mellow base that complements the sausage perfectly.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Bell Peppers

Now it’s time to introduce garlic and the colorful duo of red and yellow bell peppers. Add them all to the skillet and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. The peppers should soften just enough while the garlic releases its irresistible fragrance, giving this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe a wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Base

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the sautéed vegetables. Mix everything well so the paste evenly disperses, boosting the tomato flavor and thickening the sauce. This is where your sauce starts coming together in earnest.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes for a gorgeous blend of herbal and spicy notes. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to enhance all those flavors that are building up.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning on the bottom.

Step 7: Add Chicken Broth and Cream

To make the sauce silky and rich, stir in chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. These additions mellow the acidity of the tomatoes and provide lush creaminess that coats every bit of pasta and sausage.

Step 8: Incorporate the Sausage

Return the browned Italian sausage to the skillet and fold it gently into the sauce. At this point, the sausage will soak up the creamy tomato mixture, creating a heartwarming union in this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe.

Step 9: Add Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a savory, nutty depth that’s simply irresistible.

Step 10: Taste and Adjust

This is your moment to shine as a home chef. Taste the sauce and season with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Adjusting the seasoning ensures the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 11: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but still firm to the bite.

Step 12: Reserve Pasta Water

Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the pasta water and set it aside. That starchy water is a wonderful tool to loosen and blend the sauce if it feels too thick later.

Step 13: Drain the Pasta

Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, making sure to shake out the excess water but keeping the pasta warm and ready to be coated.

Step 14: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained bow tie pasta directly to the skillet with the sausage and tomato sauce. Toss everything together gently yet thoroughly, so each piece of pasta is generously coated with the rich sauce.

Step 15: Adjust Consistency

If the sauce is thicker than you like, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the perfect silky consistency is reached. This step guarantees the ideal texture for your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe.

Step 16: Serve Immediately

Serve this delicious creation without delay to enjoy it at its freshest and creamiest state.

Step 17: Garnish

Top each plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for that final burst of color and flavor. These garnishes elevate the dish with freshness and a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan aren’t just pretty decorations; they provide a bright contrast to the richness of the pasta. You can also add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper to amp up the flavor and presentation even more.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs amazingly well with a crisp green salad or a Caesar salad to balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce and adds a comforting crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a garnish of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan. For gatherings, a large, rustic serving platter garnished with fresh basil leaves creates a warm, inviting centerpiece. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side to add a zing of freshness if desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the day you made it.

Freezing

You can freeze the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe for up to 2 months. Store the pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to regain that creamy consistency we all love.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still impart great flavor. Just be aware it’s milder, so you might want to increase the herbs or add extra red pepper flakes to keep that punch of seasoning.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try canned coconut milk, but note the final flavor will shift slightly.

Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. It’s great for busy days since you just need to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, then toss them together.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Definitely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for the same impact. Adding fresh basil or oregano at the end of cooking really brightens the sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks, use plenty of salted water, and don’t forget to drain it well. Tossing immediately with the sauce also helps prevent sticking while adding flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s truly worth savoring. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, impressing family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite!

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