Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and bursting with flavor, this Italian sausage with bow tie pasta recipe promises a delightful meal that satisfies every craving.

Tender bow tie pasta intertwines with spicy, juicy sausage, creating a symphony of tastes and textures.

Each bite delivers a robust blend of savory ingredients that dance across your palate.

The simple yet elegant combination of pasta and sausage brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

Fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate this classic dish to new heights of deliciousness.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with just a few quality ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Prepare to indulge in a plate of pure culinary joy that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta: A Perfect Pairing

  • Whip up this hearty Italian sausage pasta in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, or add extra cheese to make this recipe your own, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Packed with robust Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience for everyone around the table.
  • Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal, saving time on cooking and washing dishes.

Bow Tie Pasta and Sausage: Ingredient List

Pasta and Meat:
  • Bow Tie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that adds fun texture to the dish.
  • Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein to the recipe.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Bell Peppers: Offer sweetness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic base to the sauce.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook ingredients and adds a smooth base for sautéing.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Creates a hearty sauce with natural acidity.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the liquid component and adds depth to the sauce.
  • Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Provide classic Italian herb flavors to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Season and balance the overall taste of the recipe.
Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the completed dish.

Must-Have Tools for Italian Pasta Night

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking sausage, vegetables, and combining all ingredients with even heat distribution.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up sausage and stirring ingredients without scratching the skillet.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for dicing vegetables and precise ingredient preparation.
  • Colander: Used for draining pasta after cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Necessary for creating fresh Parmesan cheese garnish.
  • Serving Plates: For presenting the final delicious pasta dish.

How to Cook Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get your water bubbling and toss in the bow tie pasta.

Cook until tender and al dente, following the package guidance.

Drain the pasta in a colander, letting it rest while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Brown Sausage Deliciously

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and develops a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet with sausage drippings, add:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and stir for another minute, releasing its incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Create Robust Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Diced tomatoes with their juices
  • Chicken broth

Sprinkle in dried basil and oregano.

Let the mixture simmer and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 5: Reunite Sausage With Sauce

Return the browned sausage back to the skillet.

Allow everything to bubble together for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors dance and intertwine.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.

Step 6: Marry Pasta With Sauce

Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly into the skillet.

Gently toss until every pasta piece is beautifully coated with the hearty sauce.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Dish out the steaming pasta onto warm plates.

Shower with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Saucy, Flavorful Pasta Dishes

  • Choose high-quality bow tie pasta for the best texture and flavor absorption.
  • Use fresh Italian sausage and remove casings for more even crumbling and better integration with the sauce.
  • Experiment with different bell pepper colors to add visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.
  • Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicier dishes.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior taste compared to pre-packaged cheese, elevating the overall dish.

Italian Pasta Variations for Every Palate

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for a meat-free version that maintains similar flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta and ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Upgrade: Add red pepper flakes, swap bell peppers for roasted eggplant, and incorporate kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean flavor intensity.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands, keeping the rich sausage and vegetable sauce for a lighter meal option.

Serving Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage for Gatherings

  • Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty Italian sausage pasta as a comforting main course.
  • Colorful Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
  • Weekend Dinner Party Delight: Prepare this recipe for friends, pairing it with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti to elevate the dining experience.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches during the week, as the flavors will continue to develop and taste even better the next day.

Storing Italian Pasta Dishes for Next Day Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and sausage remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing significant flavor or texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • Why use Italian sausage in this recipe?

Italian sausage provides a rich, spicy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Its savory taste and slightly spicy profile add depth and complexity to the pasta, making it more interesting than plain ground meat.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can easily increase the heat by using hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Additionally, you can add red pepper flakes during cooking or sprinkle them on top when serving to boost the spice level.

  • Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Absolutely! This recipe is a classic one-pan dish where you cook sausage, vegetables, and pasta in the same skillet, minimizing cleanup and making it a convenient weeknight dinner option. All ingredients are cooked and combined in one pan, creating a delicious and efficient meal.

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Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty italian sausage with bow tie pasta delivers a comforting blend of flavors from Italian cuisine. Spicy sausage, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams Italian sausage

Pasta and Vegetables:

  • 12 ounces (oz) / 340 grams bow tie pasta
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare bow tie pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, cooking until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  3. Transfer sausage to a separate plate, leaving residual oil in the skillet. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent burning. Cook for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
  5. Pour diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano into the skillet. Stir ingredients thoroughly and allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
  6. Reintegrate cooked sausage into the sauce, reducing heat and letting components meld together for 5-6 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Incorporate drained bow tie pasta directly into the skillet, tossing meticulously to ensure even sauce distribution.
  8. Plate immediately, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and presentation.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection Choose high-quality bow tie pasta for better texture and ensure it’s cooked al dente to maintain a slight firmness.
  • Sausage Selection Opt for fresh Italian sausage with robust flavors, removing casings for more even crumbling and better integration with sauce.
  • Vegetable Versatility Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consider adding zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
  • Flavor Enhancement Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after cooking sausage to capture additional depth and richness in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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