This Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a fun and tasty dish! With bowtie pasta and sausage bathed in a rich tomato sauce, it’s satisfying and full of flavor.
Cooking this meal reminds me of Italy, even if I’m just in my kitchen! I love tossing in some cheese on top before serving—because cheese makes everything better, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: This recipe uses bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle. If you don’t have it, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well too. They will hold the sauce nicely.
Italian Sausage: You can choose sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. Just make sure to season them well!
Crushed Tomatoes: If you’re out of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes can substitute in a pinch, but you may need to add a little more broth to adjust the consistency. You can also use tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a similar taste.
How Do You Cook the Sausage Without It Getting Greasy?
Cooking the sausage well is key to getting great flavor without a greasy texture. Here’s how:
- Start with a pre-heated skillet—this helps in getting a good sear on the sausage.
- Make sure to break the sausage apart as it cooks. This allows the fat to render out and gives you nice, well-cooked pieces.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning it. If you notice too much fat accumulating, you can spoon some out during cooking.
Following these tips will help you achieve a deliciously flavorful sausage that adds great depth to your pasta dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth or water
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep work (chopping veggies, measuring ingredients) and another 15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means tender but still a bit firm). When done, drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t forget to save a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later!
2. Brown the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown and lose its pink color, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
3. Add the Aromatics:
Once the sausage is nicely browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté them together until the onion is softened—this will take about 3-4 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic and give it a stir until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Your kitchen should start smelling wonderful!
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld nicely.
5. Combine and Serve:
After the sauce has simmered, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce. If it looks a bit thick, splash in a little of that reserved pasta water.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and beautifully mixed into the pasta. Serve your pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you wish!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta!
FAQ for Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bow tie pasta (farfalle), you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for those specific shapes!
What Can I Substitute for Italian Sausage?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to season it well with herbs and spices to replicate that traditional sausage flavor. Vegetarian sausage or plant-based ground meat is also a great option for a meat-free dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can indeed prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to eat, cook the pasta and reheat the sauce before combining them. This allows the flavors to deepen as they sit!
