Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie

A rich and comforting pasta dish that combines savory Italian sausage, farfalle pasta (bow ties), and a velvety tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and satisfying comfort food ready in under an hour
• Perfectly balanced flavors from the spicy or sweet sausage and creamy tomato sauce
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or lighter substitutions
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Great for leftovers and make-ahead meals

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• Olive oil
• Italian sausage (mild, sweet, spicy, or turkey), casings removed
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Italian-style canned tomatoes (plum or diced), drained and chopped
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Optional: spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese

directions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until browned.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, heavy cream, and salt. Simmer for about 8–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. If using, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or other optional veggies in the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter option
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative
• Mix in vegetables like peas, zucchini, or roasted red peppers
• Add extra spice with hot Italian sausage or more red pepper flakes
• Try different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce
• The sauce (without pasta) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then combine with freshly cooked pasta

FAQs

What can I use instead of bow tie pasta?

You can substitute with penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use a plant-based cream alternative and omit Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.

What sausage is best for this recipe?

Mild or sweet Italian sausage is classic, but spicy or turkey sausage works great too.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to simmer the sauce longer to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and thicken.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

The sauce freezes well without the pasta. Add fresh pasta when ready to serve.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage is gluten-free.

Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Yes, stirring in Parmesan or mozzarella adds richness to the sauce.

What sides go well with this pasta?

Try garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or steamed green beans.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid high heat after adding the cream.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie is a hearty, versatile pasta dish that combines comfort with bold Italian flavors. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.

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