### 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)

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### 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.

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### 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.

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### Prep Time
15 minutes

### Cook Time
30 minutes

### Total Time
45 minutes

### Yield
4-6 servings

Enjoy your delicious Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta!