Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce in one satisfying bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, offering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Comforting: A satisfying dish that’s rich and full of flavor.
• Quick and Easy: On the table in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap the pasta for variety.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes, less fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess fat if needed.
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Build the Sauce: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Once the sauce is heated through, add the spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve garnished with chopped basil or parsley.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Baked Version: Top with mozzarella and broil until bubbly.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
• Lighter Version: Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well with this sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be if you use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well. You can make the full dish in advance and store it in the fridge.

What’s a good side dish?

A green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based sausage and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes! Parmesan or mozzarella stirred into the sauce adds richness.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze in portions and reheat gently for best results.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage—either sweet or spicy—delivers the most flavor, but you can use turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that blends bold flavors with a creamy, comforting sauce. It’s ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal and easy to adapt to your preferences. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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