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.