Introduction
Have you ever tasted a pasta dish so creamy and flavorful that it made you want to lick the plate clean? That’s exactly what happens with Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream! This pasta is rich, savory, and packed with tender sausage, soft tomatoes, and a silky cream sauce that wraps around every bow tie. It’s super easy to make and perfect for family dinners, special nights, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a fancy twist. Let’s make pasta magic together!
Overview: What Makes Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream So Special?
This dish is a combination of bold Italian sausage, sweet tomatoes, smooth cream, and fun bow tie pasta. Every bite is full of flavor and texture. The best part is how fast it comes together. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights. The difficulty level is easy, and it’s made in just one pan plus the pasta pot. This creamy tomato sauce clings to the pasta and makes every bite taste amazing. It’s comfort food with just the right touch of elegance.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
- Bow Tie Pasta: Also called farfalle, these hold the sauce perfectly and look cute on the plate
- Olive Oil: Used to cook the sausage and onion
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Full of flavor and slightly sweet. Crumbled for even cooking
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just a tiny bit of heat
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics bring a rich, savory base to the sauce
- Canned Plum Tomatoes: Drained and chopped for sweet, tangy tomato flavor
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and smooth
- Salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end
Substitutions and Variations
- Sausage: Use spicy sausage if you like more heat or turkey sausage for a lighter version
- Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes if that’s what you have
- Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce will be thinner
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work if you don’t have bow ties
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of bow tie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of crumbled sweet Italian sausage and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Add ½ cup diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic to the sausage. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Stir in 1 (28 oz) can of drained and chopped Italian-style plum tomatoes, 1½ cups heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon salt. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Pasta
Scoop generous portions of pasta into bowls or plates. Make sure each serving gets lots of sausage and sauce. Top with more fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Serve it hot with garlic bread or a green salad on the side. A little cracked black pepper or red chili flakes on top adds a fancy touch too.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but the cream may separate a little when reheated. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then reheat slowly on the stove.
Make-Ahead Tip
Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Boil fresh pasta when ready to serve and mix everything together.
Recipe Variations
Try these fun ideas to change up your Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
- Spinach Bow Ties: Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce before mixing with pasta
- Cheesy Version: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to melt into the sauce
- Mushroom Mix: Add sliced mushrooms with the onion for extra flavor
- Zesty Lemon: Add a splash of lemon juice and zest to brighten the sauce
- Vegetarian Option: Use veggie sausage or sautéed mushrooms instead of meat
Conclusion
Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream is a go-to recipe when you want a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and a total crowd-pleaser. The creamy tomato sauce, savory sausage, and tender pasta are a match made in heaven. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will bring big smiles to the table. So grab your skillet, boil some pasta, and let’s make dinner delicious!
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Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
Description
Have you ever tasted a pasta dish so creamy and flavorful that it made you want to lick the plate clean? That’s exactly what happens with Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream! This pasta is rich, savory, and packed with tender sausage, soft tomatoes, and a silky cream sauce that wraps around every bow tie.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
-
Bow Tie Pasta: Also called farfalle, these hold the sauce perfectly and look cute on the plate
-
Olive Oil: Used to cook the sausage and onion
-
Sweet Italian Sausage: Full of flavor and slightly sweet. Crumbled for even cooking
-
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just a tiny bit of heat
-
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics bring a rich, savory base to the sauce
-
Canned Plum Tomatoes: Drained and chopped for sweet, tangy tomato flavor
-
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce silky and smooth
-
Salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors
-
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end
Substitutions and Variations
-
Sausage: Use spicy sausage if you like more heat or turkey sausage for a lighter version
-
Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes if that’s what you have
-
Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce will be thinner
-
Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work if you don’t have bow ties
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of bow tie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of crumbled sweet Italian sausage and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces.
Add ½ cup diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic to the sausage. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in 1 (28 oz) can of drained and chopped Italian-style plum tomatoes, 1½ cups heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon salt. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or shells work well too.
2. Is this dish spicy? It has a tiny bit of heat from red pepper flakes, but you can leave those out if you prefer mild.
3. Can I make it lighter? Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of cream.
4. What can I serve with this pasta? Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies are perfect sides.
5. Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just use a bigger skillet and pot.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes? Yes, just peel, seed, and chop about 2½ cups of fresh tomatoes.
7. How long will leftovers last? Up to 3 days in the fridge if stored properly.
8. Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes! Just slice or crumble and warm it before adding onions and garlic.