Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver – this Italian sausage with bow tie pasta! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve been cooking all day when really, you’re done in about 30 minutes flat. I learned this recipe from my time living near an Italian neighborhood where the old ladies would make something similar for Sunday suppers.
The magic here is how the spicy sausage crumbles into perfect little bites that cling to those adorable bow tie noodles. And that sauce? Simple crushed tomatoes transform into something incredible with just a few basic herbs. I’ve made this so often, I could probably do it in my sleep – it’s that easy and that good. Trust me, once this dish hits your dinner rotation, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
What I love most (besides how quick it is) is how the farfalle pasta catches all that rich, savory sauce in its folds. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of spicy sausage and sweet tomato goodness. My kids go crazy for this one, and honestly, so do I – it’s comfort food at its finest!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta
This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Here’s why it’s become my go-to:
- Ready in 30 minutes – From fridge to table faster than takeout!
- Crave-worthy flavor – That spicy sausage and tomato combo is seriously addictive
- One-skillet wonder (plus a pot for pasta) – Minimal cleanup is my kind of cooking
- Kid-approved – Those fun bow ties make even picky eaters happy
- Endlessly customizable – Toss in veggies, swap meats, make it your own!
It’s the kind of meal that feels special but couldn’t be easier – my favorite combination!
Ingredients for Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish – all simple ingredients that work magic together:
- 1 pound bow tie pasta (farfalle) – those cute little bows hold sauce perfectly
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed) – I use hot for kick, mild works too
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – the good stuff, no fancy brands needed
- 1 large onion, diced – yellow or sweet both work great
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – fresh is best, no powder substitutes
- 1 teaspoon each dried basil and oregano – rub between fingers to wake up flavor
- Salt & pepper – to taste, but don’t skimp!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing everything to perfection
- Grated Parmesan (optional) – because everything’s better with cheese
That’s it! No fancy ingredients – just good, honest flavors that come together beautifully. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the magic! This recipe comes together so easily if you follow these simple steps. I’ve made this dozens of times, and these are the tricks I’ve learned to make it perfect every single time.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first – get that pasta water boiling! I use the largest pot I have (pasta needs room to dance) and add a generous handful of salt – it should taste like the sea. Cook your bow ties until they’re just al dente (usually about 1 minute less than the package says). Drain them, but save a cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in your biggest skillet over medium heat. Squeeze the sausage right out of its casing (fun, right?) and break it into little crumbles with your wooden spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned but not dry – about 5-6 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like an Italian grandma’s dream!
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Push the sausage to one side and add your diced onion. Cook until it’s soft and translucent (about 3 minutes), then stir in the garlic. Watch it carefully – garlic burns in a heartbeat! When it’s fragrant (about 30 seconds), you’re golden.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Now the fun part! Pour in those crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in your herbs. I like to rub the dried herbs between my palms to wake up their oils. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes – this is when the flavors really get to know each other. Taste and adjust seasoning – I always add an extra pinch of salt at this stage.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Time for the grand finale! Toss your cooked pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. If it looks a bit thick, add splashes of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Serve immediately with a shower of Parmesan cheese and watch how fast it disappears!
Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta
After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my absolute can’t-live-without tips:
- Go spicy! Hot Italian sausage adds amazing depth – the heat balances the sweet tomatoes perfectly
- Fresh herbs make a difference – swap dried for fresh basil and oregano if you’ve got them (use triple the amount)
- Don’t rush the browning – those crispy sausage bits add incredible texture
- Taste as you go – sauce needs more salt than you think, but add a pinch at a time
- Resist overcooking pasta – it’ll keep cooking when mixed with the hot sauce
Trust me, these little tricks take this dish from good to “can I have thirds?”
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this dish is how easily you can make it your own! Here are my favorite swaps and additions:
- Protein: Try turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option – still delicious! Try turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option – still delicious!
- Pasta: Gluten-free bow ties work great, or use penne if that’s what you’ve got
- Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano makes a nice change from Parmesan
- Heat: Add red pepper flakes if your sausage isn’t spicy enough
Seriously, don’t be afraid to experiment – this recipe is super forgiving! If you are looking for other great dinner ideas, check out our dinner ideas section.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this dish! A crusty loaf of garlic bread is non-negotiable in my house – perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce. For something fresh, a simple arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. And if you’re feeling fancy? A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti makes the whole meal sing. My family always fights over the last bite – that’s how you know it’s good! Learning about proper wine pairing can elevate any meal, so check out resources on wine pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? No problem! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, splash in a little water and warm gently on the stove (microwave works in a pinch too). The flavors actually get better overnight – if it lasts that long!
Nutritional Information
Each hearty serving of this Italian sausage with bow tie pasta clocks in around 550 calories, with 25g protein, 60g carbs, and 25g fat. Remember – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. It’s comfort food, not diet food, but oh so worth every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! About 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes (peeled and crushed) will work. The sauce might be a bit thinner, so simmer it longer to thicken. I love doing this in summer when tomatoes are at their peak!
How can I make this dish spicier?
Three easy ways: 1) Use hot Italian sausage, 2) Add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or 3) Stir in a pinch of cayenne with the herbs. My family likes it fiery, so I usually do all three!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! The sauce actually tastes better the next day. Just cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve – nobody likes soggy bow ties. Reheat the sauce gently while the pasta cooks, then combine.
What if I can’t find bow tie pasta?
No worries! Any short pasta works – penne, rigatoni, even rotini will catch that delicious sauce. The bow ties are fun, but flavor matters most! For more pasta inspiration, see our recipes page.
Share Your Thoughts
Did this Italian sausage with bow tie pasta become your new favorite too? I’d love to hear how yours turned out – leave a comment or share your tasty tweaks!
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“30-Minute Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta – Irresistibly Easy!”
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A hearty pasta dish with Italian sausage and bow tie pasta, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Substitute fresh herbs if available.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Italian sausage, bow tie pasta, quick dinner, pasta recipe