Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. As I prepared this recipe, I couldn’t help but think about the rich history behind it. Bow tie pasta, or “farfalle,” has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, often associated with family gatherings and festive occasions. The combination of savory Italian sausage and the unique shape of the pasta creates a comforting meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing.
What I love most about Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is how it perfectly balances taste and texture. The juicy, seasoned sausage pairs beautifully with the al dente pasta, while the addition of fresh vegetables adds a burst of color and nutrition. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta has earned a special place in the hearts of many food lovers!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the bow tie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. I love using a non-stick skillet for this recipe to make cleanup easier.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and cooked through. If you’re using spicy sausage, the aroma will be fantastic!
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are tender. The colors in this dish are so vibrant, it’s hard not to get excited!
Making the Sauce
- Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust later if needed.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Once the sauce has simmered and thickened slightly, it’s time to add the cooked bow tie pasta. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring that every piece is coated with that delicious mixture.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess. I love how the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce!
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to combine. The cheese adds a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor.
Serving the Dish
- Once everything is well combined, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little extra salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference!
- To serve, I like to plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Enjoy your Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Trust me, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!
Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta recipe, I can confidently say that this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of savory Italian sausage, al dente bow tie pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce creates a symphony of tastes that is both comforting and satisfying. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost. Alternatively, try swapping out the Italian sausage for a spicy chorizo or a vegetarian sausage to cater to different dietary preferences. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta a try. I promise it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together! PrintItalian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try Tonight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta, featuring savory sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, delivering a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
### Hearty Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Indulge in this hearty Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta, a delightful blend of savory sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is both comforting and flavorful.
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### Ingredients
– **12 ounces** bow tie pasta (farfalle)
– **1 pound** Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
– **1 tablespoon** olive oil
– **1 medium** onion, diced
– **3 cloves** garlic, minced
– **1 red bell pepper**, diced
– **1 yellow bell pepper**, diced
– **1 can (14.5 ounces)** diced tomatoes, undrained
– **1 can (8 ounces)** tomato sauce
– **1 teaspoon** dried oregano
– **1 teaspoon** dried basil
– **1/2 teaspoon** red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **1/2 cup** grated Parmesan cheese
– **Fresh basil leaves** for garnish (optional)—
### Instructions
#### Preparing the Pasta
1. **Boil Water**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
2. **Cook Pasta**: Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions (10-12 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally.
3. **Drain**: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.#### Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables
1. **Heat Oil**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. **Cook Sausage**: Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. **Add Onion**: Add the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. **Add Garlic and Peppers**: Stir in the minced garlic and diced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.#### Making the Sauce
1. **Combine Ingredients**: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. **Season**: Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. **Simmer**: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.#### Combining Pasta and Sauce
1. **Mix Pasta**: Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the sauce, gently folding to coat the pasta evenly.
2. **Adjust Consistency**: If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is reached.
3. **Add Cheese**: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir to combine.#### Serving the Dish
1. **Taste and Adjust**: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. **Plate**: Plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. **Serve**: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.—
### Notes
– Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
– For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.—
### Prep Time
15 minutes### Cook Time
30 minutes### Total Time
45 minutes### Yield
4-6 servingsEnjoy your delicious Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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