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- 12 oz bow tie pasta - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy based on preference) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For a twist, try adding: - 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms for earthiness. - A splash of white wine for depth. - 1/2 cup spinach for greens. These extras can elevate the dish and enhance its taste. Feel free to swap out some ingredients: - Use whole wheat bow tie pasta for a healthier option. - Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. - For a vegan option, try using plant-based sausage and coconut cream. Experimenting with these variations can lead to new favorites! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, boil a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once boiling, add 12 oz of bow tie pasta. Cook it based on the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until they smell great. Now, take 1 pound of Italian sausage. Remove the casing and add the sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 5 minutes. Lower the heat and pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and heat through for 2-3 minutes. Now, it’s time to mix everything! Toss the cooked bow tie pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water. This helps make it creamy and smooth. Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything well until the pasta is coated. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve this delicious dish in large bowls. Top with more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Overcooking the pasta: Follow the package time exactly. Test a piece to check doneness. - Not salting the water: Salt your cooking water. It adds flavor to the pasta. - Skipping the reserve water: Always save some pasta water. It helps the sauce stick better. - Use a large pot: A bigger pot gives pasta room to move. This helps it cook evenly. - Stir periodically: Stir the pasta during cooking. This keeps it from sticking together. - Don’t rinse the pasta: Rinsing removes starch. Starch helps sauces cling to the pasta. - Choose mild sausage: If you don’t like heat, go for mild Italian sausage. - Skip the red pepper flakes: Omit these for a non-spicy dish. - Add cream: More heavy cream can balance the heat. Just mix it in slowly. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the best texture, cook the bow tie pasta until just al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Using fresh herbs instead of dried can elevate the dish. Add fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water before draining. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce's consistency without losing flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish meat-free by using plant-based sausage. Look for brands that mimic the taste and texture of Italian sausage. You can also add more veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini. These will give the dish more flavor and nutrition. Use vegetable broth instead of meat for a richer sauce. Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken work well. You can also use diced pancetta or prosciutto for a different taste. Just make sure to cook them fully, similar to the sausage. Each meat will give the dish a unique twist. If you want to try a different sauce, consider using marinara or Alfredo. A marinara sauce will give you a classic Italian flavor. For a creamy twist, use Alfredo and skip the heavy cream. You can also experiment by adding pesto for a fresh, herby taste. Each sauce can change the vibe of your meal! After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store the container in the fridge. Your bow tie pasta with Italian sausage will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, you have a few options. The microwave is quick and easy. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover it and heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on low, adding a bit of water or olive oil. Stir until warm. Freezing is a great way to save this dish. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as described above. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne or fusilli work well too. Just cook them according to the package directions. The key is to pick a shape that holds sauce well. This way, every bite is tasty! You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These options create a creamy texture without heavy cream. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly based on what you choose. The sausage is done when it is no longer pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. This ensures it's safe to eat. Always break it apart while cooking. This helps it cook evenly and faster. This blog post covered all you need to know about making a great bow tie pasta dish. We explored the key ingredients, shared flavor options, and looked at cooking steps that guarantee success. I provided tips to help you avoid common mistakes and simple ways to adjust flavors. Plus, you now have easy variations for different tastes. As you make this dish, remember to enjoy the process and get creative with your flavors. Happy cooking!

Bow Tie Pasta Delight with Zesty Italian Sausage

A delicious pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta, zesty Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bow tie pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy based on preference)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper red or yellow, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Toss the cooked bow tie pasta into the skillet with the sauce, mixing everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  • Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine until everything is creamy and well-coated.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in large bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil for a pop of color. A drizzle of olive oil on top adds a nice touch too!
Keyword creamy sauce, Italian sausage, pasta