Enjoy a creamy bow tie pasta with savory sausage and ripe tomatoes. A comforting, easy recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a short, straightforward ingredient list can create magic. Each element brings its own flair to Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream — from the bite of the sausage to the touch of fresh parsley that finishes everything off.
- Bow Tie Pasta: These whimsical noodles (farfalle) are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce and bits of sausage.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and deepens the flavor of the finished sauce.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Go for high-quality sausage—its herbs and spices are the flavor backbone of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint turns up the warmth without making the sauce spicy; adjust to your heat preference.
- Onion: Diced onion brings subtle sweetness and savory depth when cooked with the sausage.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the cream with a mellow, aromatic background note.
- Italian-Style Plum Tomatoes: Drain and roughly chop for the perfect balance of acidity and texture in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is what creates that dreamy, rich texture—don’t skimp here!
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together; taste as you go since the sausage may already have seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness right at the end; a little sprinkle goes a long way for flavor and looks.
How to Make Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil, and add the bow tie pasta. Cook until perfectly al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Give it a good stir now and then to keep the noodles separated and happy. Once finished, drain well and set aside—don’t rinse, as that little bit of starch will help the sauce cling later on.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the crumbled sweet Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. Break up any big chunks and allow the sausage to brown evenly. This step builds major flavor; don’t rush it. The sausage should be fully cooked and lightly caramelized, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the sausage. Let them cook together until the onion turns translucent and the garlic smells fragrant. You’ll notice the sausage picking up more depth as it mingles with the onion and garlic—it’s a team effort!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chopped plum tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of your skillet (that’s pure flavor gold). Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens beautifully—the cream and tomatoes meld into something absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your cooked bow tie pasta back to the skillet, tossing it so every little piece gets coated in the silky, sausage-studded sauce. Allow the pasta to warm through, then sprinkle the whole pan with fresh parsley right before serving. You’ll want to dig in immediately!
How to Serve Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch and a pop of flavor, don’t skip the fresh parsley. If you’re feeling extra fancy, freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil will add another layer of richness without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta plays well with a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or even a side of garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli are wonderful, too, as their brightness balances out the richer notes in Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish family-style in a big, shallow bowl piled high, with fresh parsley scattered across the top. For dinner parties, you can spoon individual nests of pasta onto plates and finish each with a shaving of Parmesan and a little parsley—guests will swoon! Or portion it into small ramekins for a fun, appetizer-sized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more as it sits overnight, making for a fantastic next-day lunch. It keeps well for up to three days—just remember to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare a batch ahead, you can freeze portions in airtight containers. The cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a gentle stir and a splash of fresh cream when reheating will bring it back together nicely. Freeze for up to two months for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover the bowl and stir halfway through to heat evenly. Either way, you’ll have creamy, comforting pasta in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! If you love a little extra kick, spicy Italian sausage works great. Just know that it will bring more heat, especially alongside the red pepper flakes, so adjust quantities to match your taste.
Is it possible to lighten up this dish?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use turkey sausage to reduce fat. The sauce may be a bit less creamy, but it’ll still be wonderfully satisfying and flavorful!
Can I use another type of pasta?
Bow tie pasta is especially charming here, but penne, rigatoni, or even rotini will do in a pinch. The important thing is to choose a shape that holds the sauce and sausage well.
How do I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap in a plant-based sausage or sauté mushrooms for a meaty texture. The rest of the ingredients can stay the same, letting the creamy tomato sauce shine.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are popular choices. Add them when you stir in the onions and garlic so they soften and blend seamlessly into Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream is a surefire crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress—whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal. Give it a try, and I have a feeling it will earn a spot in your regular rotation, too. Prepare yourself for requests for seconds (and the recipe)!
You May Also Enjoy
If you loved this creamy pasta dish, be sure to explore other hearty and flavor-packed recipes! Elevate your next dinner with our rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, a dish that perfectly complements the flavors of sausage and tomato. For a vibrant twist, try the Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowtie Pasta, full of citrus brightness. If you enjoy casserole-style meals, the Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie offers a bold and savory alternative. Craving something with extra cheese? Our Cheesy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Lasagna brings the heat and the comfort. Lastly, for an irresistible quick pasta night, the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Steak Bites delivers a spicy, buttery bite every time.
Print
Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy, savory, and loaded with robust Italian flavors, Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream is a satisfying main course that’s perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. Tender bow tie pasta is tossed in a luscious sauce of sweet Italian sausage, tomatoes, and heavy cream, finished with a hint of red pepper and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (12 ounce) package bow tie pasta
Sausage and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Finishing Touch
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sweet Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. Cook and break up the sausage until evenly browned.
- Saute Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onion turns tender and translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the chopped Italian-style plum tomatoes, heavy cream, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything gently to fully coat the pasta and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle minced fresh parsley over the finished dish and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though the result will be less creamy.
- Don’t skip draining the tomatoes—excess liquid can make the sauce watery.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American