Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

The aroma of sizzling Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta fills the kitchen with promises of a hearty, satisfying meal. This classic combination brings together the savory depth of Italian sausage with the playful shape of farfalle pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe has been a family favorite for generations, winning hearts with its perfect balance of proteins, carbs, and vegetables in a silky tomato sauce. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-quality pasta dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The bow tie pasta (farfalle) perfectly captures the rich, meaty sauce in its crevices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. You’ll appreciate the delightful textural contrast between the tender pasta, juicy sausage pieces, and slightly firm bell peppers.

What truly sets this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe apart is its versatility. It’s sophisticated enough for entertaining guests yet simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner. The ingredients are pantry staples, making this a reliable go-to when you need a satisfying meal without a special shopping trip.

The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld overnight.

Ingredients

For this delicious Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (16 oz/450g) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 pound (16 oz/450g) Italian sausage, casings removed (sweet or hot, based on preference)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon/12g)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz/226g) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

The Italian sausage is the star ingredient—choose high-quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for the best flavor. For a richer sauce, look for San Marzano canned tomatoes, which have exceptional sweetness and less acidity.

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Technique: Cook the bow tie pasta just until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than package directions). The pasta will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is gold for creating a silky sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.

Sausage Browning Secret: Break the sausage into small, bite-sized pieces while cooking, and let it develop a deep brown crust before stirring. This caramelization is crucial for the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe‘s rich flavor profile. Don’t rush this step—proper browning takes about 5-7 minutes and makes all the difference in the final dish.

Layered Flavor Building: Add aromatics in the proper order. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic for just 30 seconds before introducing other ingredients. Adding garlic too early can cause it to burn and become bitter. Deglaze the pan with a splash of the pasta cooking water to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating them into your sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it—the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook until deeply browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. The caramelization adds incredible depth to your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Add the diced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness.

Step 4: Create the Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the drained bow tie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece of pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and fold in the torn fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish to your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe.

Variations

Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: Transform this dish by adding ½ cup of heavy cream and 4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce after it has simmered. The result is a luxuriously creamy version of the classic Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe that feels extra indulgent. Finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg to enhance the creamy profile.

Vegetable-Packed Version: Boost the nutritional value by adding 2 cups of baby spinach and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Add the mushrooms when sautéing the peppers, and fold in the spinach just before adding the pasta to the sauce. The spinach will wilt quickly from the residual heat, adding beautiful color and nutrients to your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta.

Chicken Substitution: For those who don’t eat pork, substitute the Italian sausage with 1 pound of ground chicken or turkey seasoned with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. This alternative still delivers wonderful flavor while accommodating different dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together. Reheat portions gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency.

For serving, present your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe in a large, shallow pasta bowl garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side of garlic bread makes the perfect companion to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

For an easy entertaining option, serve this pasta as the main course alongside a crisp Caesar salad and a bottle of medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano. The balanced acidity of these wines pairs beautifully with the rich tomato-based sauce and savory sausage.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve, then combine with the reheated sauce.

What’s the best type of Italian sausage to use?
Both sweet (mild) and hot Italian sausage work well in this recipe. Sweet Italian sausage offers a more family-friendly option, while hot Italian sausage adds a pleasant kick. You can even use a combination of both for balanced heat.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I substitute for bow tie pasta?
Any medium-sized pasta shape with nooks and crannies works well, such as penne, rotini, or medium shells. These shapes capture the sauce similarly to farfalle.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular bow tie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, assuming your Italian sausage doesn’t contain fillers with gluten.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of savory sausage, tender pasta, and sweet bell peppers embraced by a robust tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family running to the dinner table and makes weeknight meals feel special. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or culinary enthusiasts, this versatile recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. With its simple preparation and complex flavors, this pasta dish has rightfully earned its place in the regular dinner rotation of home cooks everywhere.

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