Quick & Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta (One-Pan Weeknight Winner!)

This Quick & Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a weeknight dinner lifesaver! It’s a one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor, thanks to savory Italian sausage, a rich and creamy tomato sauce, and a touch of spinach for added nutrients. I love how this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Pasta

• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, cream, and spinach creates a delicious and satisfying dish.
• Creamy and Comforting: The heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta (Pasta)
• Olive oil (Oil)
• Mild Italian sausage, casings removed (Meat)
• Diced onion (Vegetable)
• Garlic, minced (Aromatic)
• Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped (Canned Vegetable)
• Heavy cream (Dairy)
• Packed spinach leaves, cut into thin strips (Vegetable)

Seasoning

• Red Pepper Flakes

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, minced (optional) (Herb)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Use Different Sausage: Try using spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage.
• Add More Vegetables: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Different Pasta: Use any type of short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese before serving.

How to Make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Quick & Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta:

Cook the Pasta

1. I bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. I cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente.
3. I drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Sausage

1. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, I add the olive oil.
2. Then cook and crumble the sausage and red pepper flakes over medium-high heat until the sausage is cooked through and browned.
3. I add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
4. I cook until the onion is tender, stirring occasionally.

Add Tomatoes and Cream

1. I add the drained and coarsely chopped Italian-style plum tomatoes and the heavy cream to the skillet.
2. I simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 10 minutes.

Add Spinach and Pasta

1. I add the spinach and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until it’s wilted.
2. I add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine everything well.

Serve

1. I sprinkle with minced fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Pasta

Here are my secrets for making this pasta dish truly exceptional:

• Use Good Quality Sausage: The flavor of the sausage will really shine through in this dish, so use a good quality one that you enjoy.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: If you decide to add cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded.
• Adjust Thickness of Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to thin it out.

How to Serve

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would complement the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, would pair well with this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs about Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  • Yes, you can use any type of short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
• Can I make this without the cream?
  • You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
• Can I make this vegetarian?
  • Yes, you can

Enjoy this Quick & Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta! It’s a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

• Author: Caoimhe Byrne
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 1x
• Category: Main Course, Pasta
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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Description

This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish. It features Italian sausage, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach, all tossed with bow tie pasta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves, cut into thin strips (chiffonade)
• Fresh parsley, minced (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
• Cook Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, breaking the sausage up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add Tomatoes and Cream: Add the drained and coarsely chopped Italian-style plum tomatoes and the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
• Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
• Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until it’s wilted, about 3 minutes.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained bow tie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.

• Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with minced fresh parsley, if desired.

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Notes

• Italian Sausage: You can use mild or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference. If using sausage links, remove the casings before cooking.
• Tomatoes: Italian-style plum tomatoes are recommended for their flavor, but you can substitute regular diced tomatoes.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred, but you can use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this pasta dish with a side salad and garlic bread.
• Storage: Store leftovers for 3-4 days.