This Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a tasty dish that brings comfort to your table. With savory sausage, colorful veggies, and bow tie pasta, it’s a winner!
Making this pasta is a breeze—just cook the sausage, toss in some veggies, and mix it all with the pasta. Quick dinner? Yes, please! 🍝 I often pair it with a simple salad for a perfect meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: Farfalle is perfect for this dish, as its shape holds onto the sauce nicely. If you want to switch it up, you can use penne or fusilli instead!
Italian Sausage: I use mild sausage for a kids-friendly dinner, but spicy adds extra kick. You can swap it for turkey sausage for a lighter option or use a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a meat alternative.
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich texture to the sauce. If you want to make it healthier, try half-and-half or even coconut milk, which will add a unique flavor.
Bell Peppers: The sweet crunch of red and yellow peppers adds color and flavor. Any color bell pepper works, or you can skip them entirely and use zucchini or spinach instead.
How Do I Keep the Sausage from Sticking and Burning?
The key to cooking the sausage perfectly is to use a medium heat and keep it moving in the pan. Make sure to break it apart with a spoon while it cooks so it browns evenly. Here’s a quick guide:
- Preheat the skillet before adding sausage.
- Use enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, preventing sticking.
- Keep stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked sausage every time!
Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes boiling the pasta and prepping ingredients, and then about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly.
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and the garlic is fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
4. Incorporate the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Stir them in and let them cook for another 4-5 minutes, until they start to soften slightly. This adds a nice crunch and color to your dish.
5. Mix in Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Add the drained diced tomatoes and the dried Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Turn the heat down to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, and let it cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will make the sauce rich and creamy.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked bow tie pasta into the skillet, and toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sausage and tomato sauce.
8. Finish with Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This will add a lovely cheesy flavor to your dish!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Your Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is ready to enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy this delicious, comforting pasta! It’s a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bow tie pasta works great as a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different texture and cooking time, so check the package instructions for perfect results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce is too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
What Can I Serve This With?
This pasta dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. If you want a heartier meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner!
