Focus Keyword: Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce
Introduction: Can a Creamy, Savory Pasta Dish Be Ready in Just 30 Minutes?
Craving a rich, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for a special occasion? The Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce is your answer! This recipe combines tender bow tie pasta, savory pork sausage, and a creamy Gorgonzola sauce with fresh spinach and basil for a flavorful, comforting meal. Wondering how to create this delicious dinner for eight in just 30 minutes? Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or satisfying your pasta cravings!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce is a fast, indulgent pasta dish that blends creamy, tangy cheese sauce with hearty sausage and fresh greens. It’s rich, versatile, and comes together quickly. Here’s why it’s a standout:
- Time Requirement: About 30 minutes total (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! If you can cook pasta and make a quick sauce, you’re set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This dish is budget-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and delivers bold, Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. It’s versatile (swap proteins or greens to your taste), serves 8 generously, and is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Plus, it combines skillet and saucepan cooking for a streamlined process with minimal cleanup!
With its creamy sauce and vibrant greens, this pasta is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
To make Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce for 8 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this indulgent dish:
- Bow Tie Pasta (1 package, 16 oz): Also called farfalle, provides a fun, chewy base.
- Bulk Pork Sausage (1 package, 16 oz): Adds savory, hearty flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the creamy sauce.
- Half-and-Half Cream (1½ cups): Forms a smooth, velvety sauce base.
- Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese (¾ cup): Brings tangy, bold flavor.
- Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
- Lemon-Pepper Seasoning (½ tsp): Adds a zesty, peppery kick.
- Fresh Spinach (4 cups, lightly packed): Adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Minced Fresh Basil (3 tbsp): Provides a fresh, aromatic finish.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Pasta: Swap bow ties with penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Sausage: Use Italian sausage, ground beef, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Gorgonzola: Replace with blue cheese, feta, or a milder cheese like cream cheese for less tang.
- Half-and-Half: Substitute with heavy cream for richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Spinach: Swap with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
- Add-Ons: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The sausage provides protein, while the spinach adds fiber and vitamins. The creamy Gorgonzola sauce and pasta create a satisfying, indulgent meal that’s balanced with fresh greens, making it perfect for a hearty yet nutritious dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce step by step. It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 package (16 oz) bow tie pasta according to package directions (typically 10-12 minutes until al dente).
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot; cover to keep warm.
Tip: Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook 1 package (16 oz) bulk pork sausage over medium heat for 4-6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside on a plate.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small, even crumbles for better texture.
Step 3: Make the Gorgonzola Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 1½ cups half-and-half cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a boil, stirring, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, ¾ tsp salt, and ½ tsp lemon-pepper seasoning until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Tip: Whisk the cream in slowly to ensure a smooth sauce, and stir gently after adding the cheese to avoid curdling.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the Gorgonzola sauce, cooked sausage, and 4 cups fresh spinach to the pot with the hot pasta.
- Toss gently over low heat until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined (about 1-2 minutes).
Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large serving bowl or individual plates.
- Sprinkle with 3 tbsp minced fresh basil.
- Serve hot.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce and wilted spinach at their best.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Pasta
Your Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce is ready to delight! Here’s how to make it look as comforting as it tastes:
- Serving: Spoon generous portions into bowls or onto plates, ensuring each serving gets a mix of pasta, sausage, spinach, and creamy sauce. Serve family-style from a large bowl for a cozy vibe.
- Presentation Tips:
- Garnish with extra basil, a sprinkle of Gorgonzola crumbles, or a pinch of black pepper for a pop of color.
- Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant greens.
- Twirl a few bow ties on top for an elegant, restaurant-style look.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich, tangy flavors.
Pro Tip: For a special touch, serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to sop up the creamy sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce is great for leftovers and meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The sauce may thicken; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
- Freezing:
- Freeze the cooked pasta mixture in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- The sauce may separate slightly; stir well when reheating.
- Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently.
- Or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Cook sausage and make the sauce (without spinach or basil) a day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Cook pasta al dente a day in advance, toss with a bit of oil, and refrigerate.
- Assemble and heat through with fresh spinach and basil when ready to serve.
Tip: Add fresh basil after reheating for a vibrant, fresh flavor.
Recipe Variations
The Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce are super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes with the sausage for heat.
- Creamy Deluxe: Stir in ¼ cup extra Gorgonzola or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes with the spinach.
- Vegetarian: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or extra veggies like roasted eggplant.
- Herb Twist: Replace basil with fresh parsley, thyme, or a mix of Italian herbs.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or low-carb pasta instead of bow ties.
Mix and match to suit your taste or pantry staples!
Conclusion: A Creamy, Comforting Pasta Classic
The Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce is a quick, indulgent meal that brings rich, Italian-inspired flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. With tender pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy Gorgonzola sauce, it’s a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or satisfying pasta cravings. Try it as is or add your own spin—maybe some extra veggies or spice? Share your creations with us! Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
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Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce
Description
Craving a rich, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for a special occasion? The Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce is your answer! This recipe combines tender bow tie pasta, savory pork sausage, and a creamy Gorgonzola sauce with fresh spinach and basil for a flavorful, comforting meal
Ingredients
To make Bow Ties with Gorgonzola Sauce for 8 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this indulgent dish:
- Bow Tie Pasta (1 package, 16 oz): Also called farfalle, provides a fun, chewy base.
- Bulk Pork Sausage (1 package, 16 oz): Adds savory, hearty flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the creamy sauce.
- Half-and-Half Cream (1½ cups): Forms a smooth, velvety sauce base.
- Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese (¾ cup): Brings tangy, bold flavor.
- Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
- Lemon-Pepper Seasoning (½ tsp): Adds a zesty, peppery kick.
- Fresh Spinach (4 cups, lightly packed): Adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Minced Fresh Basil (3 tbsp): Provides a fresh, aromatic finish.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Pasta: Swap bow ties with penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Sausage: Use Italian sausage, ground beef, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
- Gorgonzola: Replace with blue cheese, feta, or a milder cheese like cream cheese for less tang.
- Half-and-Half: Substitute with heavy cream for richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter option.
- Spinach: Swap with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard.
- Add-Ons: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Why These Ingredients Matter: The sausage provides protein, while the spinach adds fiber and vitamins. The creamy Gorgonzola sauce and pasta create a satisfying, indulgent meal that’s balanced with fresh greens, making it perfect for a hearty yet nutritious dinner.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 package (16 oz) bow tie pasta according to package directions (typically 10-12 minutes until al dente).
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot; cover to keep warm.
Tip: Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook 1 package (16 oz) bulk pork sausage over medium heat for 4-6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside on a plate.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small, even crumbles for better texture.
Step 3: Make the Gorgonzola Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 1½ cups half-and-half cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a boil, stirring, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, ¾ tsp salt, and ½ tsp lemon-pepper seasoning until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Tip: Whisk the cream in slowly to ensure a smooth sauce, and stir gently after adding the cheese to avoid curdling.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the Gorgonzola sauce, cooked sausage, and 4 cups fresh spinach to the pot with the hot pasta.
- Toss gently over low heat until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined (about 1-2 minutes).
Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large serving bowl or individual plates.
- Sprinkle with 3 tbsp minced fresh basil.
- Serve hot.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce and wilted spinach at their best.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the sauce (or cornstarch as a thickener).
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap pork sausage for plant-based sausage or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
3. What are the health benefits of this dish?
This dish offers protein from sausage, fiber and vitamins from spinach, and calcium from Gorgonzola. Pair with a light side for a balanced meal.
4. Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried?
Yes! Cook fresh pasta for 2-4 minutes until al dente; adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
5. How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Whisk the cream in gradually, avoid boiling after adding cheese, and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
6. Can I use leftover sausage?
Yes! Use 1 lb cooked sausage, crumbled, and add it to the pasta with the sauce to heat through.
7. How long does it take to make this dish?
Prep takes about 10 minutes (cooking pasta and prepping ingredients), and cooking takes 20 minutes, so you’re done in about 30 minutes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use a larger pot for pasta and skillet for sausage. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.