If you love the idea of comfort food meeting a burst of Italian flavor, then you are going to adore this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe. It’s creamy, rich, and full of savory Italian sausage, perfectly complemented by tender bow tie pasta and a luscious sauce packed with garlic, bell peppers, and Parmesan. Every bite feels like a warm, hearty hug that’s just perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, this dish will quickly become one of your ultimate go-to pasta meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is simple yet important, working together to build layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. From the sweetness of the red bell pepper to the gentle heat of Italian sausage and the creamy cheese, these basics create magic in your skillet.
- 12 oz bow tie pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce for every delicious bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed: Brings a savory, spiced flavor that defines this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables, adds subtle fruity richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory foundation when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Introduces warm depth and aromatic goodness to the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brightens the dish with color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly rich and silky sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and helps thin the sauce just right.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses classic Italian flair.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, bright contrast and lovely pop of green color.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe by cooking the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set it aside because you’ll want that perfect tender bite ready to soak up the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage. Break it apart as it cooks so it browns evenly and develops a bold, savory depth. This step takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and the rich aroma will already make your kitchen feel like a trattoria.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm. In the same pan, toss in the diced onions and sauté for roughly three minutes until they become translucent and tender, releasing their natural sweetness that balances the sausage.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Red Bell Pepper
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the onions. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to soften the peppers slightly and let the garlic become fragrant without burning. These veggies add bright color and a gentle crunch that brighten the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything well to combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper. This is where the sauce begins to come to life, rich and fragrant with Italian herbs and a perfect balance of creamy and savory.
Step 6: Thicken and Add Parmesan
Let your sauce simmer gently for about five minutes so it thickens slightly and those flavors deepen. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, bringing a delightful cheesy punch that makes this sauce unforgettably luscious.
Step 7: Combine Sausage and Pasta
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy sauce so those meaty bites are coated in flavor. Finally, add the cooked bow tie pasta and gently toss everything to marry the pasta and sauce perfectly without breaking the noodles.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
To finish this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. The bright green adds a fresh note that brightens the dish visually and subtly enhances the flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, but you might also consider a dusting of extra Parmesan or even some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil can add a lovely sheen and boost flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced. For easy weeknight dinners, a simple side of crusty bread always does the trick to sop up every last drop of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan cheese in a small dish nearby. You might also use colorful plates to complement the reds, greens, and creamy hues of the dish, making it as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, making it great for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, be aware that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing, often becoming a little grainy. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and use within one month for best taste.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave at medium power. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it silky rather than drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even rigatoni depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to remove the casing from the Italian sausage?
Yes, removing the casing helps break the sausage into smaller pieces that cook evenly and blend beautifully with the sauce, giving you that perfect texture throughout the dish.
Can I make a lighter version of this dish?
For a lighter take, try swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat variety to suit your preferences.
What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water combined with a bit of extra seasoning can work as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust salt levels to keep the dish flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is generally mild, with the Italian sausage providing gentle spice depending on the brand you choose. If you enjoy more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and authentic Italian flavors to your table with very little fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe’s creamy, cheesy goodness will leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite pasta dishes to make again and again!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Italian sausage bow tie pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked bow tie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce with savory Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe blends creamy textures and Italian spices for a delicious, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and softened, building flavor for the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens slightly, releasing aroma and flavor.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for around 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and well blended, enhancing the flavor profile.
- Combine Sausage and Pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the sauce. Add the cooked bow tie pasta, gently tossing to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For a richer sauce, add a little more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free bow tie pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
