Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Creamy, comforting, and packed with Italian flavor, this 30-minute pasta dish combines browned sausage, velvety tomato cream sauce, and perfectly al dente bow tie pasta. A weeknight dinner hero that feels restaurant-worthy!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
  3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Top with extra parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Swap sausage with ground turkey or beef—just boost seasoning to match the flavor.
  • Use half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
  • Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
  • Make it extra cheesy with mozzarella or provolone stirred in at the end.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: sausage pasta, creamy tomato pasta, bow tie pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner