Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re craving comfort food that feels both indulgent and easy to make, this Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta delivers every single time. Picture juicy bites of sausage, tender bow tie pasta, and a tomato-rich sauce that clings to every crevice of your fork. It’s the kind of dish that instantly makes your kitchen feel like a cozy trattoria in the heart of Italy.

What makes this pasta recipe truly special is its balance of bold and comforting flavors. The rich sausage adds a savory depth, while the tomatoes bring brightness and the fresh herbs offer an aromatic lift. It’s a weeknight go-to but fancy enough to serve for guests. Pair it with a glass of red wine and a simple side salad, and you’re all set for a perfect evening in.

---

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

Italian sausage is the star here, and you can go with either mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. Mild Italian sausage offers subtle flavors of fennel and garlic, while spicy sausage adds a little kick to balance the richness of the sauce. Pork sausage is traditional, but turkey or chicken sausage work beautifully if you’re after a lighter twist.

---

Ingredients for the Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Italian Sausage – The heart of the dish. Choose high-quality sausage for rich flavor.

Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle) – This pasta shape catches the sauce in every fold. It also holds up well in heartier dishes.

Diced Tomatoes – They create a fresh and chunky base for the sauce, full of bright acidity.

Tomato Paste – Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.

Garlic & Onion – Classic aromatics that start the flavor foundation.

Olive Oil – Used to sauté the aromatics and sausage.

Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of color and herby brightness to finish.

Salt & Pepper – For balance and seasoning.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated over the top for nutty, salty finish.

---

How To Make the Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it browns, cooking until fully done and no longer pink. Remove sausage and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the sausage back to the skillet. Stir in the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve hot with extra cheese on the side if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta

Serve this dish hot and fresh, right off the stove, topped with extra parsley and Parmesan for a rustic, hearty presentation. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This pasta also freezes well for up to a month.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work just as well if you don’t have bow ties on hand.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a bit of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the sausage and sauce ahead, then boil the pasta fresh before serving. Combine everything just before mealtime.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the sausage you choose. Use mild for a family-friendly version or spicy for a kick of heat.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make great additions. Just sauté them along with the onions.

How do I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end for a creamy variation.

---

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Italian Sausage With Bow Tie Pasta, check out these other flavorful favorites from Life With Nina:

• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a rich, cheesy twist on a classic.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you’re craving garlicky comfort with every bite.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli when you want a little green in your creamy pasta.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty and buttery chicken pasta experience.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta when you want your pasta ultra indulgent.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use spicy sausage or mild? Did you add extra veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more tasty inspiration, follow along on Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes

---

Print