Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a flavorful, satisfying pasta dish that combines tender bow tie pasta with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, yet delicious enough to serve to guests. This one-pan favorite is a go-to when I want a pasta dish that’s rich, bold, and ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together the smoky spice of Italian sausage with the smooth texture of bow tie pasta and a creamy, tangy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s easy to prepare and comes together in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. The balance of meat, pasta, and vegetables makes it a full meal, and I can adjust the spice level to my liking. It’s comfort food with an Italian twist—quick, filling, and packed with flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bow tie (farfalle) pasta

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

• Olive oil

• Yellow onion, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Bell pepper, chopped (any color)

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Italian seasoning

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. I drain and set it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

3. I add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

4. I pour in the crushed tomatoes, add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want some heat. I let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. I reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.

6. I add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss everything together until well coated.

7. I serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use chicken or turkey Italian sausage for a leaner version.

• For a tomato-free option, I swap the tomato sauce for a garlic cream sauce with mushrooms.

• I’ve added spinach or kale to the sauce for a boost of greens.

• If I want it extra cheesy, I mix in shredded mozzarella before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well—I portion it into containers, freeze, and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, I’ve used penne, rigatoni, and rotini. Bow tie pasta works especially well because it holds the sauce, but any short pasta will do.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage. I use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on what I’m in the mood for. Red pepper flakes also add a little kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make it the night before, and the flavors deepen as it sits. I just reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this pasta?

I usually serve it with garlic bread or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables on the side also pair well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used a dairy-free cream substitute and skipped the cheese, or used vegan Parmesan. It still tastes great with the sausage and tomato base.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is one of those dinners I can always count on to be comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy tomato sauce, seasoned sausage, and tender pasta come together in a way that’s hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.