If you are craving a bowl of comfort that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of indulgence, this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine tender, perfectly al dente bow tie pasta wrapped in a luscious, savory sauce made with rich cream, bold Italian sausage, and a medley of fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the stress. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite comforting dinners to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the creamy texture, vibrant colors, and those wonderful layers of flavor that make this pasta so special.
- Bow tie pasta (12 oz): The perfect shape to catch and hold onto the rich, creamy sauce with every bite.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, casing removed): Adds a bold, seasoned meatiness that’s key to the dish’s character.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For a light sauté that brings out the best in the sausage and veggies.
- Medium onion, diced: Gives a sweet, aromatic base that balances the richness of the cream.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds a punch of savory depth and warmth.
- Red bell pepper, sliced: A splash of color and a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that irresistibly smooth and velvety sauce everyone will love.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Lightens the cream slightly and adds extra savory notes without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): The aromatic herby blend that ties everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and highlight all those wonderful flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, green brightness as the final touch.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by cooking the bow tie pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right bite to stand up to the creamy, hearty sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. Trust me, well-cooked pasta is super important in this recipe!
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sauté until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked all the way through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where the dish gets its bold and savory flavor, so let that sausage develop a rich color and aroma before moving on.
Step 3: Sauté Onions for Sweetness
Remove the browned sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent and soft. The onions build a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage and creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Bell Peppers
Now toss in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper alongside the softened onions. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the bell pepper softens slightly but still keeps a little crunch and fresh flavor. These veggies brighten up the whole dish with color and freshness.
Step 5: Combine Cream, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to bring all the ingredients together into one silky mixture. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper to taste. This is where the creamy sauce starts to form, infusing everything with herby, comforting flavors.
Step 6: Simmer and Add Parmesan
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly so it will cling nicely to the pasta. Once it’s just right, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and blends smoothly into the sauce, adding a rich and savory dimension.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it thoroughly into the sauce. Then add the cooked bow tie pasta and toss gently but completely, coating every piece of pasta with the luscious, creamy mixture. This step is so satisfying because you can see how all the flavors come alive together.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Now, you have a gorgeous plate of Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is my favorite garnish for this pasta—it adds just the right hint of freshness and color. You could also add extra Parmesan on top or a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These small touches elevate the dish and make it look as lovely as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly. Simple steamed or roasted vegetables also work beautifully if you want to add more balance and crunch alongside the creamy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just make mealtime extra special, try serving the pasta in individual bowls with a fresh herb garnish and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side for a zesty burst that brightens each bite. It’s a simple trick that takes this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is creamy, it might thicken a bit—a quick stir before reheating helps bring it back to life. This pasta keeps well and tastes great even the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze some for later, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind that freezing cream-based sauces can sometimes cause slight texture changes, so the sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. To help prevent this, freeze the pasta separate from the sauce when possible, and combine them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid the sauce breaking. You can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even farfalle if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times based on the package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich and may require a bit more time to thicken. Adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if needed.
What kind of Italian sausage should I use?
You can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. For added variety, try sweet Italian sausage or even a fennel-flavored one. Just make sure to remove the casing before cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the sausage and substitute with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, and season well to maintain depth of flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
Simmer the sauce a little longer to let it reduce, or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water. Adding more Parmesan cheese can also help thicken while adding richness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that you can whip up with confidence. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A deliciously creamy Italian sausage pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta tossed in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, enhanced by sautéed Italian sausage, onions, garlic, and red bell pepper. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
Sausage & Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to be added later.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing it from its casing and breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion: Remove the browned sausage from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic & Pepper: Add minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the onions. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the bell pepper to soften slightly while stirring frequently.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer & Thicken: Let the sauce mixture simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow it to thicken slightly. Then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and blends into the creamy sauce.
- Combine Sausage & Pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix thoroughly into the sauce. Add the cooked bow tie pasta and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sausage sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use turkey Italian sausage for a leaner option.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- This dish can be prepared in advance; reheat gently and add a splash of chicken broth if sauce thickens too much.
