Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream is a quick, comforting one-pot pasta dish combining tender bow tie pasta with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and savory Italian sausage. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta and sausage)
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta
- 12 ounces Italian sausage (casings removed)
Sauce and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Finishers and Garnishes
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Remove sausage from casings and crumble into the pan. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer sausage to a bowl and keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, making sure to stir so garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream: Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until they start to break down. Lower heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, stir in freshly grated Parmesan if desired, and sprinkle chopped basil on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce for a perfect creamy consistency.
- Choose quality Italian sausage for the best flavor and richness.
- Cook pasta al dente to ensure bow ties stay firm and hold sauce well.
- Use fresh tomatoes for the brightest flavor; canned tomatoes can be a substitute.
- Finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to balance richness and brighten the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: bow tie pasta, sausage pasta, creamy tomato sauce, quick dinner, one-pot meal, Italian sausage recipe, comfort food