Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta is the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into a cozy, flavorful escape. This one-pan meal is rich with creamy tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and perfectly al dente bow tie pasta—each bite layered with comfort and depth. It’s the sort of hearty dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull together.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this pasta dish delivers every time. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, it brings bold Italian flavors to your table with barely any cleanup required. Think of it as your go-to recipe when you want comfort food with a gourmet twist.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

This dish works best with mild or hot Italian sausage—either bulk or links with the casings removed. Pork sausage brings the most traditional flavor, but you can substitute with chicken or turkey sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Ingredients for the Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How To Make the Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving and Storing Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Serve this pasta hot straight from the skillet for a rustic, satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a green salad and garlic bread.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or rigatoni all work well if you don’t have bow tie pasta.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan—or use a vegan alternative.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

What vegetables go well with this?

Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be sautéed with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I make it spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta, try these other comforting favorites:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a garlicky, decadent option.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta for romantic, creamy vibes.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles if you’re in the mood for easy cleanup.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for seafood pasta perfection.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need it next.

And I’d love to know—did you stick with the classic sausage or try a twist? Maybe you added mushrooms or a bit of wine? Share your version in the comments. Questions are welcome, too. Let’s keep the dinner inspiration flowing.

More daily dishes like this are shared on my Pinterest board Nina Dishes—check it out and follow for regular weeknight wins!

Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and creamy pasta dish featuring savory Italian sausage, bow tie pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals with family.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.

7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.