Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s tossed in a rich, savory sauce and packed with juicy chunks of Italian sausage. This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta has become one of my favorite weeknight dinners, not just because it’s incredibly flavorful, but because it’s so easy to put together. The combination of sweet bell peppers, tender pasta, and seasoned sausage brings warmth and heartiness to the table—without hours in the kitchen.

I love this dish because it hits that perfect balance between rustic and refined. The bow tie pasta (or farfalle) adds a playful texture and holds the sauce beautifully. Each bite delivers just the right amount of meat, sauce, and pasta—making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or a simple, satisfying solo meal. Let me walk you through why this recipe is going to win a place in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

This dish combines bold flavors with simplicity. You get juicy, spiced sausage in every bite, coated in a slightly sweet tomato-based sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for busy nights. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

I prefer using mild or sweet Italian sausage links, sliced into bite-sized rounds. However, if you’re into a little heat, hot Italian sausage brings a spicy edge that transforms the dish. You can also use ground Italian sausage if that’s what you have on hand—it still delivers all the flavor without the slicing.

Options for Substitutions

• Pasta: Swap bow tie pasta for penne, rigatoni, or fusilli—just go with something that has texture to catch the sauce.
• Sausage: Turkey or chicken sausage works just as well for a lighter version.
• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
• Sauce: You can substitute the tomato base with a creamy Alfredo or even pesto for a completely different vibe.

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Ingredients for This Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

• Italian Sausage (mild or hot): The star of the dish, adding bold flavor and hearty texture. Choose good-quality sausage for the best results.
• Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): The unique shape of bow tie pasta is perfect for holding onto the sauce and giving texture to every bite.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to balance the richness of the sausage.
• Yellow Onion: Builds the aromatic base and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds a savory depth and essential fragrance to the dish.
• Crushed Tomatoes (canned or fresh): Forms the body of the sauce, giving it a tangy, hearty texture.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and brown the sausage.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the final dish and adds a fresh, herby finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for a salty, creamy topping.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced sausage pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened. If you want a looser sauce, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce and let it simmer together for 5 minutes so the flavors blend. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir well to coat every piece with the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the hearty goodness.

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How Long to Prepare the Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Prep Time: The prep for this dish is fairly quick—about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll need to chop the vegetables, slice the sausage (if you’re not using ground), and get your pasta water boiling. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce simultaneously, which makes this dish time-efficient.

Cooking Time: Once everything is prepped, the total cooking time is around 25 to 30 minutes. Browning the sausage takes about 8 minutes, sautéing the vegetables takes another 5 to 7, and the sauce simmers for 10 to 12 minutes. Tossing everything together at the end adds a few more minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at a total time of about 40–45 minutes from start to plate.

Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Let the sausage brown properly—it adds more flavor through caramelization.
• Use fresh garlic and herbs when possible for a brighter, more aromatic dish.
• Reserve a little pasta water to help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking sausage; work in batches if necessary.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: It will continue cooking in the sauce, so stop it at al dente.
• Undercooking the Sausage: Make sure it’s fully cooked and browned for flavor and safety.
• Skipping the Simmer: The sauce needs time to meld and thicken—don’t rush it.
• Forgetting to Season: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Drowning the Pasta: Too much sauce can overpower the dish—balance is key.

What to Serve With Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a perfect companion for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try oven-roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.

4. Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with the bold sausage flavor.

5. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a cool, refreshing contrast.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well as alternatives.

Is this dish spicy?

Only if you use hot Italian sausage. You can control the heat level to your preference.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives and bulk up on veggies.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, just slice and heat it through during the sauce-simmering stage.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well and can be made a day in advance for meal prep.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta is that perfect blend of convenience and comfort. It’s loaded with bold flavors, comes together quickly, and is versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, it’s a guaranteed hit. Give it a try—and don’t forget the Parmesan on top!

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