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
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, 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.
