This Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that combines perfectly seasoned sausage with fun, bow tie-shaped pasta. The sausage adds a flavorful, slightly spicy kick while the bow ties soak up all the savory sauce, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but still full of character. It’s one of those meals that feels special without needing a lot of fuss or time in the kitchen. Plus, the mix of textures from the tender pasta and the juicy sausage keeps things interesting throughout the meal.
For me, this pasta is best served with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan and a side of crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce. It’s always a hit when I bring it to a casual dinner or when I just want a cozy meal at home. This dish always fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes everyone feel right at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the dish, giving it a rich and spicy flavor. You can swap Italian sausage for ground pork, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): Bow tie pasta holds sauce nicely thanks to its shape. If you don’t have it, penne or rotini work well as substitutes.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a bright, fresh note. If unavailable, grape tomatoes or chopped regular tomatoes work just fine. Roasting them a bit concentrates their sweetness.
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce creamy and smooth. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Essential for that classic Italian flavor and creamy texture. Use Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.
How Do You Get the Sauce Creamy and Well-Blended?
The creamy sauce is what ties this dish together. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After cooking garlic and tomatoes, lower the heat and add heavy cream slowly to avoid curdling.
- Simmer gently for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce without boiling it hard.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese off the heat to melt it smoothly into the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps coat the pasta perfectly without being heavy.
- Combine the pasta and sausage into the sauce last for even coating and warmth.
By taking these steps, your sauce will be creamy with a perfect texture every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta evenly without crowding it.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – great for browning sausage and cooking the sauce all in one pan.
- Colander – to drain pasta easily after cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the sausage and sauce without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your cream, cheese, and spices just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal that still stays tasty.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrients—it softens quickly and boosts flavor.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy bite that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- Mix in red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat beyond the sausage’s spice.
Savor Italian Sausage And Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Meat:
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled or in bite-sized chunks
Vegetables & Flavorings:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes for boiling the pasta and 15 minutes for cooking the sausage, making the sauce, and combining everything. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until tender but still firm to bite (al dente), following package directions. Drain the pasta and save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook them until they are nicely browned and cooked through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes so it thickens a little. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir well until it melts and forms a smooth sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Combine Everything:
Put the cooked sausage back into the sauce and stir to coat all the pieces. Then add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and warmed through.
6. Season and Serve:
Season the dish with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve right away, with extra Parmesan cheese if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Italian Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and ensures it’s cooked all the way through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. Coconut milk works for a dairy-free twist but will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers make great additions. Add greens at the end and cook just until wilted to keep their vibrant color and nutrients.
