There are moments when you just crave a warm, comforting bowl of pasta. Something rich, creamy, and hearty. That’s where this Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta comes in it’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing together bold, savory flavors with a luxurious, creamy sauce. The combination of hearty Italian sausage, tender bowtie pasta, and rich cream sauce is nothing short of comforting. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, a weekend gathering, or even a family celebration. It’s easy to prepare but feels indulgent, making it ideal for any occasion.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly evening, and I was craving something warm and satisfying. I had a package of Italian sausage in the fridge and decided to whip up a pasta dish with what I had on hand. The result was this Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta, which quickly became a family favorite. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of that cozy feeling as the flavors blend together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, ready to enjoy something that feels like a big, comforting hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this creamy and flavorful dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Each of these ingredients adds its own layer of flavor, from the savory sausage to the creamy sauce. The Parmesan brings a rich, nutty taste that ties everything together, while the basil and oregano infuse the dish with that classic Italian essence. Fresh parsley as a garnish provides a fresh pop of color and a slight earthiness to balance the richness of the pasta.
Preparation
Making this Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta is incredibly straightforward. It’s a one-pan meal that’s full of flavor yet easy to prepare. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously so the pasta is well-seasoned. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (if using sausage links, be sure to remove the casing before adding). Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown and become crispy in some spots. This step should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your preference. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the creamy goodness.
Step 7: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. It’s a delicious, rich dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something comforting and indulgent.
Variations
This Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta is versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:
- Add Vegetables: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, try sautéing spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the onions. These vegetables pair wonderfully with the sausage and cream sauce.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage as it cooks, or opt for spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. This will give the dish a nice, warming kick.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re looking to make the dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative. You can also use dairy-free Parmesan cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, swap the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta. You’ll still get the comforting texture and flavor, with a diet-friendly twist.
- Bacon Lovers: For a smoky flavor, add crispy crumbled bacon on top of the dish just before serving. The bacon adds a rich, salty crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Cooking Notes
- Use High-Quality Sausage: The Italian sausage is the star of this dish, so be sure to use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Fresh sausage from your butcher or the best brand you can find at the store will make a noticeable difference in the taste.
- Cream Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, simply add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps thin the sauce while adding flavor.
- Sausage Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, you can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage. These options are leaner but still pack great flavor.
- Browning the Sausage: Don’t skip the step of browning the sausage properly. Getting a bit of caramelization on the sausage adds a depth of flavor that makes the sauce even richer.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta can be enjoyed on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crispy garlic bread. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce left on your plate.
- Side Salad: A simple, fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus complement the creamy pasta beautifully and add extra nutrients to the meal.
- Wine Pairing: Pair your pasta with a glass of Pinot Noir or Chianti for a wine that’s light enough to balance the richness but has enough body to stand up to the sausage and cream.
Tips
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: You can make this a true one-pan meal by cooking the pasta directly in the skillet after browning the sausage. After sautéing the sausage, add the uncooked pasta along with the broth and cream, cooking everything together. Just ensure you have enough liquid to cook the pasta through.
- Freezing Leftovers: This dish freezes well, so if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of added cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Meal Prep: You can prepare the sausage mixture and sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sausage mixture and sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep the sauce smooth.
3. Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even beef sausage as an alternative. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage as it cooks, or choose spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta is a perfect comfort food that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, it’s a meal that’s both indulgent and easy to make. I encourage you to give it a try, share your experiences in the comments, and explore other delicious pasta recipes on the blog. Enjoy!
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Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this creamy and flavorful dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casing removed)
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
Making this Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta is incredibly straightforward. It’s a one-pan meal that’s full of flavor yet easy to prepare. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously so the pasta is well-seasoned. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (if using sausage links, be sure to remove the casing before adding). Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown and become crispy in some spots. This step should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your preference. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the creamy goodness.
Step 7: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. It’s a delicious, rich dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something comforting and indulgent.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Sausage: The Italian sausage is the star of this dish, so be sure to use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. Fresh sausage from your butcher or the best brand you can find at the store will make a noticeable difference in the taste.
- Cream Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, simply add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps thin the sauce while adding flavor.
- Sausage Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, you can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage. These options are leaner but still pack great flavor.
- Browning the Sausage: Don’t skip the step of browning the sausage properly. Getting a bit of caramelization on the sausage adds a depth of flavor that makes the sauce even richer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 610
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 42
- Protein: 26