Italian Sausage Bow Tie has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share it with you! There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of savory Italian sausage, perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, and a light, flavorful tomato sauce. I remember the first time I made this easy Italian sausage bow tie pasta; the aroma of garlic, peppers, and simmering tomatoes filled my kitchen, and my family practically ran to the table. It’s a dish that feels both special and incredibly simple, proving you don’t need hours to create something delicious. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Italian sausage bow tie pasta that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Italian sausage bow tie pasta is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic garlic create a taste sensation you’ll crave.
- Super Speedy: It’s a truly quick Italian sausage bow tie pasta, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters love this hearty and satisfying pasta dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, accessible ingredients, it’s a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or spice levels to suit your preferences.
- Healthier Options: Packed with protein from the sausage and fiber from the veggies, it’s a more balanced choice than many other pasta dishes.
- The Absolute Best: We believe this is the best Italian sausage bow tie recipe you’ll find, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious meal. This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful base, and the garlic Italian sausage bow tie pasta comes together beautifully with these components.
- 340g bow tie pasta – the perfect shape to catch all the sauce!
- 450g Italian sausage – I prefer mild, but hot works too for a kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing our aromatics.
- 1 onion, diced – about 1 cup, adds a sweet base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – for sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced – adds another layer of color and mild sweetness.
- 1 can (410g) diced tomatoes – undrained, brings moisture and acidity to the sauce.
- 120ml chicken broth – helps create a light, cohesive sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – classic herb pairing for tomato-based sauces.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – another staple herb that complements the sausage.
- Salt and pepper to taste – to perfectly season your dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving – adds a salty, nutty finish.
How to Make Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Let’s whip up this delicious Italian sausage bow tie pasta! It’s simpler than you think, and the aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen. We’ll get this flavorful dish ready in no time.
- Step 1: Start by cooking the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – this is liquid gold for our sauce! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 450g Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the flavorful drippings in the skillet.
- Step 3: To the same skillet, add the 1 diced onion and the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and their sweetness is released. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen! Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for just another minute until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Pour in the 1 can (410g) of diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the 120ml chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5-7 minutes so the flavors can really meld together. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating the base for our amazing one-pot Italian sausage bow tie pasta.
- Step 5: Return the cooked Italian sausage crumbles to the skillet. Stir them into the simmering tomato mixture. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sausage to heat through and its rich flavor to infuse the sauce. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the sausage is often salty, so season cautiously.
- Step 6: Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss everything gently until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This step helps create a cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, making it feel like a true one-pot Italian sausage bow tie pasta experience.
- Step 7: Serve this delightful bow tie pasta with Italian sausage immediately. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious, easy meal that proves making a fantastic Italian sausage farfalle recipe at home is totally achievable!
Pro Tips for the Best Italian Sausage Bow Tie Recipe
Want to elevate your Italian sausage bow tie pasta? Try these simple tricks for restaurant-quality results at home:
- Always use quality Italian sausage – the flavor of the sausage is key to this dish.
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! It’s essential for creating a silky sauce that coats every noodle.
- Sauté your vegetables until they are tender-crisp to maintain a pleasant texture and vibrant color.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Sausage can be salty, so add salt carefully.
What’s the secret to perfect Italian sausage bow tie pasta?
The secret is using flavorful Italian sausage and the starchy pasta water. This water acts as a natural emulsifier, binding the sauce ingredients together. It’s also why bow tie pasta with Italian sausage works so well – its shape holds onto that silky sauce perfectly. For more on the science of cooking, check out resources on the science of cooking.
Can I make Italian sausage bow tie pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the sausage and sauce mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving and combine. This makes it a fantastic base for a quick sausage bow tie pasta casserole if you want to bake it. You can find more make-ahead meal ideas here.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian sausage bow tie pasta?
A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta; aim for al dente so it finishes cooking in the sauce. Also, ensure you brown the sausage well to develop its flavor. Lastly, don’t rinse the pasta after draining – that starchy coating helps the sauce adhere. Learn more about proper pasta cooking techniques on Food Network.
Best Ways to Serve Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage
This versatile Italian sausage bow tie pasta is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines with a few simple accompaniments. For a lighter meal, consider an Italian sausage pasta primavera bow tie approach by tossing in some blanched asparagus or peas right at the end. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette is always a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. And who can resist some crusty garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce? It’s the perfect pairing for this hearty dish.
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Nutrition Facts for Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious Italian sausage bow tie pasta:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of Italian sausage and any additional ingredients you might add to your Italian sausage bow tie pasta.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Leftovers of this delicious Italian sausage bow tie pasta are a blessing! Once it has cooled slightly, transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. You can store this creamy Italian sausage bow tie pasta in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully! For freezing, portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. This ensures your leftover Italian sausage bow tie pasta tastes almost as good as when it was freshly made!
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Farfalle Recipe
What is Italian sausage bow tie pasta?
This dish is a delightful pasta meal featuring bow tie pasta (also known as farfalle) combined with flavorful Italian sausage. It typically includes a savory sauce, often tomato-based, and sometimes vegetables like onions and bell peppers. It’s a hearty and satisfying main course, perfect for a family dinner.
Is this the same as Italian sausage and bowtie pasta recipe?
Yes, “Italian sausage bow tie pasta” and “Italian sausage and bowtie pasta recipe” refer to the same delicious dish! The terms are interchangeable. Whether you call it bow tie pasta with Italian sausage or Italian sausage farfalle, the core components of savory sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful sauce remain the same.
Can I make Italian sausage bow tie pasta with different types of sausage?
Absolutely! While traditional Italian sausage provides a classic flavor, feel free to experiment. Hot Italian sausage will add a pleasant kick, while a milder version is great for those sensitive to spice. You can even use bulk pork sausage seasoned with Italian herbs if Italian sausage isn’t readily available. The key is the savory, seasoned meat!
Why is this called Italian sausage farfalle recipe?
It’s called an Italian sausage farfalle recipe because farfalle is the Italian name for bow tie pasta. The shape of the pasta, resembling a bow tie or butterfly, is distinctive and holds sauces beautifully. Combining it with Italian sausage creates a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
Variations of Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta You Can Try
This Italian sausage bow tie pasta recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Spicy Kick: Craving a little heat? Opt for hot Italian sausage instead of mild for a wonderfully spicy Italian sausage bow tie pasta. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during simmering for an extra layer of warmth.
- Veggie Power: Amp up the greens by stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking until it wilts. This creates a lovely Italian sausage bow tie pasta with spinach. For an earthy twist, sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers to make an Italian sausage bow tie pasta with mushrooms.
- Creamy Dream: For a richer, more decadent dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This transforms it into a decadent creamy Italian sausage bow tie pasta.
Italian Sausage Bow Tie: 7 Amazing Twists
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Italian sausage bow tie pasta is a flavorful family dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It features savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and bow tie pasta coated in a light tomato sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 340g bow tie pasta
- 450g Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (410g) diced tomatoes
- 120ml chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined with the sauce and sausage. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to taste.
- This Italian sausage pasta tastes even better the next day.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers by adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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