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Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner combining savory Italian sausage with tender bow tie pasta, accented by garlic, onion, and tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with vegetables, different cheeses, or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
  • 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)

Aromatics and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh basil (optional)

Cheese and Herbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes for extra heat (optional)
  • Mozzarella or pecorino cheese as cheese alternatives

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Brown the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and crumble into the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the sausage in the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, releasing rich flavors.
  4. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano or basil.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet with the sausage sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen and create a silky texture.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Turn off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir gently to melt the cheese into the warm dish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use high-quality Italian sausage for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.
  • Thoroughly sauté garlic and onions for enhanced flavor.
  • Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to keep it creamy and avoid clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage pasta, bow tie pasta recipe, one pot pasta, quick Italian dinner, family-friendly dinner