If you’re craving a pasta dish that bursts with comforting flavors and a luscious sauce, the Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly marries savory Italian sausage with al dente bow tie pasta, all enveloped in a dreamy, creamy tomato sauce that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hoping to impress friends with minimal fuss, this dish delivers on taste and satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly shine.
- Italian sausage: The star protein, bringing rich, spiced flavor and a hearty texture.
- Bow tie pasta (farfalle): Its unique shape holds sauce beautifully, making every bite saucy and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and helps infuse the flavors.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth after being sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic: Delivers an aromatic punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): The tangy foundation of the sauce, balancing richness with brightness.
- Heavy cream: Adds decadence and smoothness, turning the tomato base into a creamy dream.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle spicy kick to elevate the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting every ingredient.
- Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant herb garnish that adds freshness and vibrant color.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the bow tie pasta until al dente ensures it’s tender but still has that perfect bite, which means it won’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce. Drain it carefully and set it aside while you prepare the sauce base.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Next, heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is key to developing those deep, savory flavors that make this dish so irresistible. Once done, remove the sausage and keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. This soft caramelization draws out natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base. Then add the garlic, cooking just for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the delicious juice. Stir in the heavy cream to transform the sauce into a dreamy, velvety mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer before folding the cooked sausage back into the skillet, allowing all these flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, which reduces it slightly and intensifies the flavors without losing that creamy texture.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the al dente bow tie pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta wears a delicious coating of sauce. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and bring a glorious, cheesy richness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. This final touch not only adds a pop of color but also a wonderfully fresh aroma that complements the rich sauce perfectly. Voila! Your Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic choice for garnishing this dish, adding brightness and elegance. For an extra flavorful kick, a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can really elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to balance the richness of the creamy tomato sauce. Roasted vegetables make another fantastic side, providing a welcome contrast of textures and some fresh, savory flavors to complement the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, plate the pasta in deep, wide bowls to keep the sauce nicely gathered. You could also scatter toasted pine nuts or a few chili threads on top for crunch and a hint of elegance. Using colorful bowls or plates adds to the warm, inviting feel of this dish at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the bow tie pasta holds sauce so well, the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just be sure to cool the dish quickly before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Although creamy pasta dishes can sometimes change texture when frozen, this Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe freezes nicely if stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This method helps keep the sauce creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out or becoming tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is ideal because of its shape, feel free to substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli, as they all hold creamy sauces beautifully.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meat-free alternative without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the heat level by using more, less, or omitting them altogether depending on your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and pasta separately in advance. Reheat together just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor balance.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with the richness of the sausage and creamy tomato sauce, balancing acidity and savoriness.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable enough for any night yet special enough to make guests feel cherished. Once you try it, I bet it will become one of your go-to comfort meals—so why wait? Roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every creamy, sausage-packed bite!
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 combining savory browned sausage with a creamy tomato sauce, tossed with al dente farfalle and garnished with fresh basil for an easy, comforting 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, for garnish
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 the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix well.
- Season and Simmer: Add red pepper flakes if using, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy sausage tomato sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a burst of herbal freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or substitute with fresh chili.
- Use low-fat cream or milk to reduce calories, adjusting the thickness by simmering longer if needed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides better flavor and texture than pre-grated varieties.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to maintain texture when tossed with sauce.
