Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream is my ultimate go-to comfort food—think golden pasta, savory Italian sausage, juicy tomatoes, and velvety cream, all twirled together into pure weeknight magic. Even picky eaters light up at the first forkful! This dish is the definition of cozy, and it never fails to get rave reviews around my dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Creamy Sauce: The dreamy fusion of cream, tomatoes, and sausage creates a luxuriously rich, flavorful sauce that hugs every piece of bowtie pasta.
- Weeknight-Friendly: Even with its bold, layered flavors, you can have this hearty meal on the table in under an hour—perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or a potluck with friends, this pasta always gets compliments and second helpings.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the sausage spice level, use fresh or canned tomatoes, or lighten things up as needed—there’s tons of room to make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how much flavor comes from a handful of well-chosen staples! Each ingredient in Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream is essential, either adding depth, creaminess, or those pops of fresh, irresistible color that make every bite sing.
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The cute, curvy shape is perfect for catching all the creamy sauce—plus, it just makes eating more fun!
- Sweet Italian Sausage: This juicy, herby sausage packs a punch; you can mix in spicy sausage if you want some heat.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch livens things up—you control the kick!
- Onion: Sautéed until golden, it lays down the foundation for all the savory flavors.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! That quick burst of garlicky aroma makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
- Fresh Mushrooms: Sliced thick, they soak up the sauce and add lovely umami earthiness.
- Italian-Style Diced Tomatoes (Canned): Tangy, juicy, and loaded with Italian herbs—these bring brightness and body to the sauce (swap for fresh when in season if you like).
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to making the sauce extra silky and indulgent.
- Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful salty, nutty finish that melts right in!
- Salt: Just enough to round out all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip this final flourish—the freshness ties the dish together beautifully.
- Extra Parmesan or Romano Cheese (for serving): For that irresistible cheesy finishing touch on every plate.
Variations
One of the best parts about Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream is how easy it is to adapt to your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun twists if you want to switch things up or lighten it for different diets!
- Try Chicken or Turkey: Substitute chicken breast or ground turkey for the sausage—just season generously beforehand for lots of flavor.
- Go Spicy: Mix hot Italian sausage with sweet, or add extra pepper flakes for a fiery kick!
- Lighter Version: Swap in half-and-half for some of the cream, or use all half-and-half if you want to cut a few calories.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: During tomato season, chop up juicy fresh tomatoes—just add a pinch of sugar and plenty of salt to boost the flavor.
- Vegetarian Spin: Leave out the sausage entirely and bulk up with extra mushrooms, zucchini, or diced roasted red peppers.
- Crockpot Magic: Cook the sausage, then add everything except the cream to your slow cooker. Add cream at the end and serve over fresh pasta for easy entertaining!
How to Make Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by cooking your bowtie pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water. I like to use about three-quarters of a standard one-pound box. Be sure to cook until just al dente (still a little bite), then drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high and add your sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, making sure you get nice bite-size pieces. Once browned and fully cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to paper towels to drain off any extra grease. Don’t wipe out the pan—there’s still plenty of flavor left in there for the next step!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
In the same pan, add the chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms caramelize a bit—about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic for just the last minute, taking care not to let it scorch.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Add your drained tomatoes and heavy cream to the pan, along with a big pinch of salt. Toss the cooked sausage back in and let the mixture gently simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have mingled beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toss Pasta
Stir in a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan. Now pour the sauce over the cooked pasta (or toss everything together in the skillet) so every piece is beautifully coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and a shower of extra grated Parmesan or Romano. Bring the whole platter to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up—the smell alone is worth the effort!
Pro Tips for Making Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook the bowtie pasta just until al dente so it holds its shape and soaks up the sauce without getting mushy.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor: After sautéing the sausage, don’t be afraid to add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the pan before the veggies—it lifts all those flavorful browned bits right into the sauce.
- Timing Is Everything: Add the garlic toward the very end of the veggie sauté—it keeps the flavor sweet and prevents burning.
- Fresh Basil Finale: Always sprinkle chopped basil right at the end, so it stays vibrant and aromatic and really pops against the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
Garnishes
This dish loves a luxurious finish—generous handfuls of grated Parmesan or Romano, freshly chopped basil, or even torn Italian parsley. If you want a little spark, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of really good olive oil over each bowl right before serving.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded Italian-night spread, serve Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream alongside a big green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette and warm, crusty garlic bread. Roasted asparagus or simple sautéed spinach would also complement the rich sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style gatherings, pile the pasta high on a colorful platter and let everyone dig in together. For date night, serve individual bowls with a pretty basil leaf perched on top and a glass of bright Italian white wine. Or, try spooning the creamy sausage-tomato sauce over a mound of bowties in a shallow bowl for total comfort-food vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep so well! Transfer Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors get even better as they meld together—bonus for next-day lunches!
Freezing
This dish actually freezes beautifully—just cool completely, then tuck into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture. If you want extra creamy results after thawing, stir in a splash more cream or milk.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to keep things silky, and warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Always check that it’s piping hot and finish with fresh cheese and basil for that “just made” flavor!
FAQs
-
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage brings a bold, peppery punch that works beautifully in Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream. You can mix sweet and spicy for a layered flavor or add extra red pepper flakes if you want even more heat.
-
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter sauce, swap part or all of the cream with half-and-half. Some readers even use whole milk for a lightened-up version, though it may be a bit less rich and creamy.
-
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the sausage and boost the mushrooms, or add vegetables like zucchini, roasted red peppers, or even spinach. For a little extra heartiness, add a handful of cooked lentils or plant-based sausage.
-
Can I prepare Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is slow-cooker friendly! Brown the sausage first, then transfer it and the remaining sauce ingredients (except for the cream) to your slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours. Stir in the cream in the last 30 minutes, then serve over fresh-cooked pasta for a low-stress dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a pasta night that feels both cozy and a little bit special, don’t hesitate to try Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream. It’s guaranteed to win over everyone at the table—and you just might find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy cooking, and buon appetito!
Print
Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy sauce with sweet Italian sausage, tomatoes, and mushrooms, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Bowtie Pasta:
- 1 lb package bow tie pasta, about 3/4 used
Sauce:
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian style diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Additional Parmesan or Romano cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, then drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a pan over medium-high heat, cook the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-size chunks. Once cooked, remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté onion, mushrooms, and red pepper flakes until tender. Add garlic towards the end. Stir in drained tomatoes, cream, and salt. Return sausage to the pan and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Add Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce or pour the sauce over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and additional cheese.
Notes
- I use a mix of sweet and spicy sausage for depth of flavor.
- You can substitute part half and half for a lighter version.
- Feel free to use fresh tomatoes when in season, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
- This dish can be adapted for the slow cooker by cooking the sausage, then combining all ingredients (except cream) and cooking on low for 6-8 hours before adding cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
