Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 16 oz package bow tie pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 14.5 oz cans Italian diced tomatoes; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels cozy and indulgent but comes together without a fuss, this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the bow tie pasta perfectly holds onto the luscious tomato-cream sauce, loaded with flavorful sweet Italian sausage and just the right kick of garlic and fresh basil. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The sauce combines heavy cream and diced tomatoes for a perfectly balanced, silky finish.
Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Family Favorite: My family always asks for seconds—the flavors just hit the right spot.
Versatile and Satisfying: Bow tie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite deliciously comforting.

This image shows a black frying pan with creamy pasta inside. The pasta is bow-tie shaped with a light yellow color. Mixed in are small pieces of cooked ground meat, soft diced red tomatoes, and chopped green herbs scattered on top. The creamy sauce looks smooth and light orange, covering the pasta and ingredients evenly. The pan sits on a stove with visible black grates and control knobs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta, Italian Sausage Pasta, Creamy Pasta with Italian Sausage, Bow Tie Pasta Recipes, Easy Italian Sausage Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. A good-quality Italian sausage and ripe canned tomatoes really elevate the flavors without complicating prep.

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh bow tie (farfalle) pasta, a few whole sweet Italian sausages with smooth casings, a medium yellow onion diced into neat cubes, three plump garlic cloves peeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright red Italian diced tomatoes, another small white bowl containing golden olive oil, a third white bowl with creamy heavy cream, a tiny white dish holding red pepper flakes, a small mound of freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of vibrant green chopped basil, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta, Italian Sausage Pasta, Creamy Pasta with Italian Sausage, Bow Tie Pasta Recipes, Easy Italian Sausage Pasta

Bow tie pasta: I love using bow tie because its shape captures the sauce so well.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds depth and helps brown the sausage perfectly.
Sweet Italian sausage: Removing the casing and crumbling it allows even cooking and great texture.
Red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of spicy warmth to balance the creaminess.
Onion: Diced finely for that sweet, soft base flavor in the sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential for authentic Italian flavor.
Italian diced tomatoes: Use quality canned tomatoes – they bring that perfect acidity and sweetness.
Heavy cream: This creates that luscious, silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Salt: To enhance all the flavors naturally.
Grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish that I can’t cook without.
Fresh basil: Chopped and stirred in at the end for freshness and color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe simple but have also enjoyed making little tweaks depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family feels like.

Spicy Variation: When I’m feeling bold, I add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or swap sweet sausage for spicy Italian sausage—your call!
Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions to add more veggies.
Dairy-Free Option: I’ve swapped heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free twist (it’s surprisingly tasty!).
Cheese Substitute: Feel free to swap parmesan for pecorino romano for a sharper flavor profile.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—don’t skimp on the salt, it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the bow tie pasta and cook it according to package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but don’t rinse it. Leaving the starch on helps thicken the sauce once everything’s combined, so trust me, don’t rinse!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep skillet until it shimmers. Add the crumbled sweet Italian sausage and red pepper flakes. As the sausage browns, you’ll smell all those wonderful herbs and spices coming through. When it’s nearly cooked, stir in the diced onions and minced garlic and cook just until the onions become soft and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. That smell? Absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Pour in the Italian diced tomatoes along with their juices, add the heavy cream and salt, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let this bubble gently for about 8 minutes—it thickens and marries those flavors beautifully. Patience here pays off with that crave-worthy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet, stirring well so every bow tie gets coated. Let the pasta cook right in the sauce for an extra 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets the sauce soak in and thicken further—one of the little secrets that makes this dish so creamy and delicious.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Parmesan

Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese. The residual warmth gently wilts the basil and melts the cheese until it melds into the sauce. Once everything is mixed together, you’re ready to serve immediately for the best taste experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: I always set my timer for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests so the pasta stays perfectly firm when finishing in the sauce.
Let the Sauce Thicken Slowly: Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream; this slow approach gives it that velvety texture.
Use Fresh Basil Last Minute: Adding basil at the end preserves its bright flavor and aroma—freshness matters!
Save Some Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water brings it right back to the perfect consistency.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

A white round plate sits on a wooden surface with a creamy pink sauce spread evenly on the bottom layer. On top, there is a layer of bow-tie pasta mixed with ground meat pieces and small diced red tomatoes, giving a mix of beige, brown, and red colors with a slightly chunky texture. A green basil leaf decorates the upper left edge of the plate. To the right side of the plate, a silver fork rests on the wooden surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta, Italian Sausage Pasta, Creamy Pasta with Italian Sausage, Bow Tie Pasta Recipes, Easy Italian Sausage Pasta

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or cracked black pepper to elevate the richness even more.

Side Dishes

Pairing this Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread makes for a perfectly balanced meal. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also complement its rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this pasta in large, shallow bowls topped with a sprig of basil and a dusting of parmesan. A rustic wooden board with bread and a bottle of chilled white wine instantly transforms the meal into a cozy Italian feast you’ll remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and I’ve found it stays delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

If you freeze leftovers, make sure to cool the pasta completely before putting it in freezer-safe containers. I recommend freezing in individual portions for easy defrosting later. While this recipe freezes well, the cream sauce’s texture can change slightly, so reheating gently is key.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy sauce. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir frequently and add a bit of liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in the Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet Italian sausage gives this dish its signature flavor, you can swap in spicy Italian sausage for a kick, or even chicken sausage for a lighter version. Just be sure to remove the casing and crumble it evenly for consistent cooking and texture.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk?

For best results, I recommend sticking with heavy cream as it gives the sauce its rich texture. You can try half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it may not thicken as well and could be less creamy. Milk usually is too thin and might separate when heated.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly al dente for this recipe?

Al dente means the pasta has a slight bite but isn’t crunchy or mushy. Follow package instructions but start tasting a minute or two before the timer goes off. It should be tender with a little firmness in the center. Since it simmers in the sauce later, cooking it just shy of fully done helps prevent overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage for plant-based Italian sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. You might want to add extra herbs or seasonings to boost flavor since the sausage provides a lot of savory depth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it effortlessly combines hearty comfort with fresh, homemade flavor. I remember the first time I made it, my family was blown away by how restaurant-quality it tasted—without any complicated steps! If you want a reliable recipe that’s both an everyday picker-upper and a crowd-pleaser, this one’s for you. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as we do!