Picture this: a warm kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, the citrusy zing of fresh lemon zest, and the unmistakable scent of hearty Italian sausage browning to perfection. This is the magic of Lemon Basil Sausage Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Ricotta Sauce.

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it combines comforting textures with vibrant, zesty flavors. The richness of the garlic ricotta sauce pairs beautifully with the bright notes of basil and lemon, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet refreshingly light.

For me, this recipe takes me back to summers spent in my grandmother’s garden. The fresh basil would grow wild, and lemons hung heavy on the trees. This dish captures the nostalgia of those days while bringing a modern twist that feels right at home on any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Ricotta Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This will help adjust the consistency of the sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown thoroughly, about 7–8 minutes, until fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Lemon

To the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. These add depth to the dish. Remove the mixture from heat once everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Ricotta Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the garlic and lemon. Add the cooked pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually pour the garlic ricotta sauce over the mixture, stirring gently to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately, savoring the combination of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors.

Variations:

Vegetarian Twist
Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
Gluten-Free Option
Swap out the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Chickpea or lentil pasta works particularly well with this sauce.
Spicy Kick
If you love spice, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic ricotta sauce for an extra layer of heat.
Herb Variations
While basil is the star here, you can also incorporate fresh parsley, oregano, or dill to experiment with different herbaceous notes.

Cooking Notes

Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! The starchiness helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky finish.
Garlic Timing: Be careful not to burn the garlic it should be golden and fragrant, not bitter.
Lemon Balance: Start with the zest and juice of half a lemon if you’re unsure about the intensity, then adjust to taste.

Serving Suggestions

To round out this comforting pasta dish, consider pairing it with:

A Fresh Salad: A simple arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette enhances the bright flavors of the dish.
Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of the creamy ricotta sauce.

Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the ricotta sauce and cook the sausage in advance. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, reheat the components, and toss everything together.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Customizable Protein: Substitute the sausage with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein option.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~600 per serving
Protein: ~28g
Sodium: ~750mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use pre-made ricotta sauce?
A: Yes, but homemade sauce adds a depth of flavor that store-bought versions often lack.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover pasta?
A: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While the pasta and sausage freeze well, the ricotta sauce may change texture upon thawing. For best results, store the sauce and pasta separately.

Q: How do I prevent the ricotta sauce from curdling?
A: Ensure the heat is low and the sauce simmers gently. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cheese to separate.

Conclusion:

Lemon Basil Sausage Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Ricotta Sauce is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. Its creamy texture, bold flavors, and refreshing hints of basil and lemon create a harmony that’s hard to resist.

This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, date nights, or even entertaining guests. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and guarantees to impress. Give it a try, and let this Lemon Basil Sausage Bowtie Pasta recipe become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience and leave a comment we’d love to hear how you made it your own!

Lemon Basil Sausage Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Ricotta Sauce

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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