There’s something about a bowl of pasta that just feels like home. Whether it’s the rich, creamy sauce, the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta, or the way the flavors blend together in every forkful, pasta dishes have a way of bringing people together. This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is no exception!

It’s hearty, full of flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights. The combination of savory Italian sausage, a creamy tomato-based sauce, and farfalle (bow tie pasta) is simply irresistible. Plus, the simple ingredients make it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Creamy and comforting: The tomato-cream sauce is pure indulgence.
Perfectly balanced: A touch of Parmesan cheese gives it just the right amount of richness.
Customizable: Use mild or spicy sausage, or swap it out for a different protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dish:

Pasta & Protein:

✔️ 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle) – The fun shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
✔️ 1 lb Italian sausage – Use mild for a classic taste or spicy for an extra kick.

Sauce Ingredients:

✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps brown the sausage and soften the onions.
✔️ 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
✔️ 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings out an aromatic, bold flavor.
✔️ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – The base of the sauce.
✔️ ½ cup heavy cream – Creates a rich and velvety sauce.
✔️ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami flavor.

Seasonings & Garnish:

✔️ Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
✔️ Fresh basil or parsley – A bright and fresh finishing touch.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but not overcooked). Once done, drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This can help loosen up the sauce later if needed!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Pro Tip: If your sausage is very greasy, drain some of the excess fat before continuing with the recipe.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

At this point, your kitchen should be smelling absolutely amazing.

Creamy Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta: Bringing It All Together

Now that we’ve got the pasta cooked and the sausage perfectly browned, it’s time to bring everything together into a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish. This next step is where the magic happens—when the flavors meld into a velvety tomato-cream sauce that clings to every bow tie of pasta. Let’s dive into the next steps!

Step 4: Create the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Once your sausage and aromatics (onions and garlic) are cooked and fragrant, it’s time to add the heart of this dish—the sauce!

👉 Pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juices) and give everything a good stir.
👉 Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the tomatoes break down slightly and soak up all the flavors from the sausage.
👉 Next, pour in the ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated.

At this stage, you’ll see the sauce turn into a beautiful pinkish-orange color, a signature of tomato-cream sauces. It’s the perfect balance between the acidity of tomatoes and the richness of cream.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the diced tomatoes before adding the cream.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan & Seasoning

This is where the magic really starts happening! Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a nutty, salty kick and helps thicken it slightly.

👉 Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue mixing until melted and well combined.
👉 Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

At this point, take a little taste test! Need a little more salt? Maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat? Adjust as needed.

Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta & Sauce

With your creamy, flavorful sauce ready, it’s time to bring the pasta into the mix.

👉 Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly into the skillet.
👉 Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together, making sure the pasta gets completely coated in the sauce.

Let the pasta simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to soak up some of that delicious, creamy tomato goodness.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Now comes the final touch—the garnish! This might seem like a small step, but fresh herbs add a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

👉 Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top.
👉 Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for good measure.
👉 Serve immediately and enjoy!

This pasta is best served hot and fresh, straight from the pan to the plate. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this is a family favorite!

Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe