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
Scale
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.
