Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage
Delight in the harmony of flavors with this Creamy Bow Tie Pasta featuring savory Italian sausage and a rich tomato-based sauce. Quick to prepare, this dish combines the warmth of spices and the freshness of ingredients, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you're serving family or hosting friends, this pasta dish promises satisfaction with every bite, and it's bound to become a new favorite just like it is for my son!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Sweet Italian Sausage
1 lb (Casings removed and crumbled)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Garlic
3 cloves (Minced)
Diced Italian-style Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (None)
Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Bow Tie Pasta
1 (12 ounce) package (None)
Parsley
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the crumbled sweet Italian sausage and red pepper flakes, cooking until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes.
3
Incorporate the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the heavy cream and salt. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
5
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes, before draining.
6
Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
7
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage?
It is a flavorful dish featuring savory sweet Italian sausage, a rich tomato and heavy cream sauce, and bow tie pasta, perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce package of bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
What type of sausage should I buy?
You should use 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
How do I prepare the sausage for the skillet?
Remove the casings and crumble the sausage into the skillet before cooking.
Is this pasta dish spicy?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, giving it a subtle warmth, but you can adjust this amount to your preference.
What are the main aromatics used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, pour the 28-ounce can of diced Italian-style tomatoes into the skillet along with their juices.
How much heavy cream is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream to create the rich, creamy texture.
How long does it take to brown the sausage?
It typically takes approximately 7 minutes for the sausage to be browned and no longer pink.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Allow the sauce to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it has thickened.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, usually taking 8 to 10 minutes for bow tie pasta.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe starts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated in a large, deep skillet.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish the finished pasta with 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, while bow tie pasta is traditional for this recipe, shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would also work well with the creamy sauce.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, the description notes that this dish is a favorite of the author's son, making it a family-friendly choice.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Yes, if you prefer more heat, you can easily swap the sweet Italian sausage for the hot variety.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Once the pasta is drained, add it to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly while heating through.
What size can of tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can of diced Italian-style tomatoes.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and tender.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large, deep skillet is best to ensure there is enough room for both the sauce and the pasta.
Is salt added to the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the mixture along with the tomatoes and heavy cream.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and combine it with freshly cooked pasta later.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of the pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner than if you used heavy cream.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Do I need to add any other spices?
The recipe relies on the spices already in the Italian sausage and the added red pepper flakes, but you can add more to taste.
How many servings does this make?
While not explicitly listed, a 12-ounce box of pasta and 1 pound of sausage typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, spinach, peas, or sautéed bell peppers would be excellent additions to this creamy dish.
What should I serve as a side?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread would complement the rich and creamy flavors of this pasta.