If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta that bursts with flavor, try this easy Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream recipe. This dish combines perfectly cooked bow tie pasta with savory sausage, juicy tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce that will quickly become your weeknight favorite. It’s an irresistible meal that’s simple to prepare, packing every bite with richness and freshness all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet flavorful: It uses straightforward ingredients that combine to create a rich and satisfying dish.
- Perfect weeknight dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy evenings when you want something fast but delicious.
- Balanced textures: The tender bow ties, savory sausage, and juicy tomatoes create a wonderful mouthfeel.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice or add veggies to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Impressive but approachable: Great for family meals or surprising guests without complicated techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each adding its own special touch to the Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream recipe. The combination ensures a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make the dish so inviting.
- Bow tie pasta: The unique shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly and cooks al dente quickly.
- Italian sausage: Adds a spicy, savory punch with a satisfying meaty texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Provide bursts of sweetness and acidity that brighten the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, decadent sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
- Garlic and onions: Build a flavorful base with aromatic depth that’s essential for this dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that enhances richness and flavor complexity.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and brings subtle fruity notes.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Gives a fresh herbal pop that balances the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together and enhance each ingredient.
Variations for Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
This Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to personalize it according to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to boost the heat level.
- Vegetarian version: Swap sausage for mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free alternative.
- Herb upgrade: Incorporate rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added herbal complexity.
- Cheesy delight: Mix in mozzarella or fontina to amplify the creaminess.
- Lower cream option: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
Step 1: 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, reserving about a cup of pasta water for the sauce, and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes
In the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, creating a fresh, vibrant base.
Step 4: Make the cream sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting it gently simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Pro Tips for Making Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
- Al dente pasta: Don’t overcook the bow ties, as they will continue to soften when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Use quality sausage: A well-seasoned Italian sausage elevates the flavor tremendously.
- Fresh tomatoes over canned: Cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness and texture that canned can’t match.
- Low and slow cream sauce: Simmering gently prevents the cream from curdling for a silky smooth finish.
- Finish with fresh herbs: They add freshness and make the dish look vibrant and appetizing.
How to Serve Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
Garnishes
Top your Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley to add a burst of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to complement the creamy richness of the pasta without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate the pasta in a shallow bowl and drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil and a few halved cherry tomatoes. Garnish with whole basil leaves for an Instagram-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making reheated portions very tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well; just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the cream sauce’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Stir frequently to avoid sticking or uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide wonderful flavor in the Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk, or a mixture of milk with cream cheese to keep the sauce creamy, but avoid low-fat milk as it may curdle.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out regular bow tie pasta for a gluten-free variety. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work great and add extra nutrition and flavor without overpowering the dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on the sausage you use. Mild Italian sausage makes a gentle dish, while spicy sausage or added red pepper flakes kick up the heat.
Final Thoughts
Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream is truly a comforting and flavorful meal that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe will soon become a beloved staple. So grab your ingredients, dive in, and enjoy a creamy, delicious pasta night that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
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Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
This easy Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream recipe is a comforting and creamy pasta dish bursting with flavor. It combines perfectly cooked bow tie pasta with savory Italian sausage, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, making it ideal for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Sausage and Vegetables
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 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 the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce, and set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté garlic, onions, and tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, forming a fresh and vibrant base.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture gently simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine everything: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the bow ties; al dente texture ensures the pasta won’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help the cream sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Prefer fresh cherry tomatoes over canned for natural sweetness and texture.
- Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling and ensure a silky smooth finish.
- Finish with fresh herbs to add brightness and a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
