If you are craving a dish that combines hearty flavors, comforting textures, and a velvety sauce, you have to try this Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The savory Italian sausage, tender bow tie pasta, and luscious creamy tomato sauce come together in a harmony of rich, vibrant flavors that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe always delivers that perfect balance of taste and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish truly special and inviting.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Provides a robust, meaty base packed with herbs and spices.
- Bow tie pasta (12 ounces): The unique shape holds the sauce perfectly, giving every bite a creamy coating.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
- Onion (1, chopped): Builds a sweet, savory foundation when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces, undrained): Contributes acidity and freshness that balances the creaminess.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the signature luscious and smooth tomato sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts into the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every component.
- Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant, colorful garnish bringing a touch of freshness.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Begin with a large pot of salted boiling water and cook the bow tie pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but with a slight bite. This ensures the pasta will hold up wonderfully when tossed in the creamy sauce. Drain it well to keep the sauce from becoming watery.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the Italian sausage after removing it from its casing. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, releasing those fantastic aromas. Once done, take it off the heat and set aside the sausage so you can build the sauce in the same skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook it slowly until it turns translucent and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes—this step brings out its natural sweetness. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just enough to awaken its fragrant oils without burning.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Add the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice to the skillet, stirring to blend. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to meld into a smooth, creamy tomato base. Return the browned sausage to the pan and stir everything together, making sure those flavors combine perfectly.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. Season the sauce with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Let it gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors deepen, turning that sauce into the heart of this comforting dish.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish with Parmesan
Now, add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Coat every piece of pasta with the rich, creamy sauce for maximum flavor in each bite. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts beautifully, adding a luscious, cheesy finish that ties everything together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving up this dreamy pasta, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. The basil not only brightens the plate with its lively green color but also adds an herbaceous aroma that complements the creamy tomato sauce and sausage perfectly. Now, you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a glossy finish. A few torn basil leaves bring freshness, making the dish visually vibrant and tastefully balanced.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread are perfect companions, ideal for mopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in shallow bowls to showcase the pasta shape and sauce glory. For a family-style feast, bring out a large serving platter with fresh basil sprinkled on top. You can even add a pop of color with roasted cherry tomatoes or a handful of toasted pine nuts for texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and taste.
Freezing
This Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prepping or future cozy nights.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of bow tie?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta holds the creamy tomato sauce beautifully, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would work wonderfully as well, thanks to their shapes that catch the sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a delicious meatless alternative while keeping the rich sauce intact.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as optional. You can adjust the amount to your preferred heat level or omit entirely for a milder dish that still bursts with flavor.
What kind of Italian sausage should I buy?
Choose a good-quality sweet or mild Italian sausage, depending on your taste. Removing the casing ensures it cooks evenly and breaks apart nicely in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese to keep the creamy texture without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an instant classic anytime you make it. It’s cozy yet bright, simple but impressive, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to pasta meal.
Print
Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta recipe that combines savory browned sausage, creamy tomato sauce, and tender farfalle pasta, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a comforting homemade meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, including the juice, to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and mix well.
- Season and Simmer: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully integrated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor compared to pre-grated.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
