Creamy Sausage Bowtie Pasta Recipe For Lunch And Dinner

Looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner? This Creamy Sausage Bowtie Pasta is rich, flavorful, and packed with the perfect combination of Italian sausage, creamy sauce, and tender bowtie pasta. Whether you’re a fan of one-pot meals, Cajun flavors, or cheesy pasta dishes, this recipe has something for everyone. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Versatile – Works with various types of sausage (Italian, smoked, chicken, turkey, andouille, or kielbasa).
• Creamy and Cheesy – Loaded with Parmesan and heavy cream.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for both a cozy family dinner and a fancy gathering.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (or smoked sausage, chicken sausage, kielbasa, or andouille)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, optional)
• 1 tbsp butter

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (for a Cajun kick)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage (remove casings if using Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Once browned, remove sausage and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until combined.
4. Bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir.
2. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
4. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
2. Pair with garlic bread, side salad, or roasted veggies.

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Variations and Customizations

1. Cajun Sausage Bowtie Pasta

• Add 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist.
• Use andouille sausage instead of Italian sausage.
• Throw in some bell peppers and shrimp for extra flavor.

2. Cheesy Sausage Bowtie Pasta

• Mix in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese at the end.
• Add a sprinkle of cheddar or provolone for extra cheesiness.

3. One-Pot Smoked Sausage Bowtie Pasta

• Cook everything in one pan by adding uncooked pasta directly to the sauce with an extra cup of chicken broth.
• Cover and simmer until pasta is tender.

4. Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta with Spinach

• Use ground Italian sausage for a more traditional taste.
• Add sundried tomatoes and a dash of lemon juice for freshness.

5. Shrimp and Sausage Bowtie Pasta

• Add 1/2 lb shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Cook shrimp separately or let them simmer in the sauce.

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Tips for the Best Sausage Bowtie Pasta

• Use High-Quality Sausage – Fresh Italian sausage or smoked sausage adds the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Keep it al dente for the perfect bite.
• Balance the Spice – Adjust red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.
• Fresh Parmesan is Best – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Helps create a silky sauce consistency.

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Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

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Nutrition Per Serving

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: ~580 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

What is Bowtie Pasta Used For?

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a versatile pasta shape used in various dishes, including creamy pasta recipes, pasta salads, baked pasta dishes, and one-pot meals. Its unique shape holds sauces well, making it perfect for creamy, cheesy, and tomato-based sauces. It pairs well with proteins like Italian sausage, chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage, as well as vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers.

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What Pairs Well with Italian Sausage?

Italian sausage pairs well with a variety of ingredients, enhancing its bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Some great pairings include:

• Pasta (Bowtie, penne, rigatoni)
• Tomato-based sauces (Marinara, arrabbiata)
• Creamy sauces (Alfredo, Parmesan cream)
• Vegetables (Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini)
• Cheeses (Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta)
• Herbs & Spices (Basil, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes)
• Bread (Garlic bread, focaccia)
• Wine (Chianti, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc)

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How Long Do You Cook Bow Tie Pasta For?

Bowtie pasta should be cooked for 10-12 minutes in boiling salted water until it reaches an al dente texture.

Cooking Tips:

• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Check for doneness at the 10-minute mark.
• Drain and toss with a little olive oil or sauce to prevent clumping.

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How Do You Cut Sausage Links for Pasta?

To cut sausage links for pasta, follow these steps:

1. Remove the casing (if needed) by slicing it lengthwise and peeling it off.
2. Slice into rounds (½-inch thick) for a chunky texture.
3. Cut into half-moons or crumbles for better sauce distribution.
4. Cook before adding to pasta to develop rich flavors.

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Is Bowtie Pasta Healthy?

Bowtie pasta can be healthy when consumed in moderation and paired with nutritious ingredients.

• Whole wheat bowtie pasta offers more fiber and nutrients.
• Protein-based pastas (like chickpea or lentil pasta) are higher in protein.
• Balance it with lean proteins (chicken, turkey sausage) and veggies.
• Limit heavy cream sauces for a lighter meal.

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How to Make a Bow Tie Easy?

If you’re referring to making bowtie-shaped pasta, roll out pasta dough and cut into squares, then pinch the center to form a bowtie.
If you mean tying a bow tie, follow these steps:

1. Drape it around your neck, making one end longer.
2. Cross the long end over and loop it underneath.
3. Fold the shorter end into a bow shape.
4. Loop the longer end around the center and tuck it behind the bow.
5. Adjust for symmetry.

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What Sauces Go with Italian Sausage?

Italian sausage pairs well with various sauces:

• Tomato-based sauces (Marinara, arrabbiata, pomodoro)
• Creamy sauces (Alfredo, Parmesan garlic, pink sauce)
• Spicy sauces (Cajun sauce, fra diavolo)
• Pesto sauces (Basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto)
• Wine-based sauces (White wine butter sauce)

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Is Italian Sausage Healthy?

Italian sausage can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

• High in protein, but also high in saturated fat.
• Healthier options:
  • Choose lean turkey or chicken sausage.
  • Look for low-sodium versions.
  • Avoid excess consumption of processed meats.

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What Are Sausages Eaten With?

Sausages pair well with many foods:

• Pasta dishes (Bowtie pasta, penne, rigatoni)
• Grilled vegetables (Peppers, zucchini, onions)
• Potatoes (Mashed, roasted, hash browns)
• Bread & rolls (Hoagie rolls, garlic bread)
• Sauerkraut or pickled vegetables
• Cheese platters

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Does Bowtie Pasta Have Egg?

Traditional bowtie pasta is made with semolina flour and water, meaning it doesn’t contain eggs. However, some homemade or fresh pasta varieties may include eggs. Always check the ingredients label if avoiding eggs.

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Is Pasta Healthy?

Pasta can be healthy when part of a balanced diet.

• Whole wheat or legume-based pasta offers more fiber and nutrients.
• Pair with lean proteins (chicken, turkey sausage, shrimp).
• Load up on vegetables to increase nutrients.
• Limit creamy sauces for a lower-calorie meal.

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How Do You Keep Bowtie Pasta from Sticking?

To prevent bowtie pasta from sticking:

1. Use plenty of boiling water (4-6 quarts per pound of pasta).
2. Stir frequently during the first few minutes.
3. Don’t overcook—drain once it’s al dente.
4. Toss with a little olive oil if not using immediately.

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Should I Cook Sausage Before Putting It in Sauce?

Yes, you should cook sausage before adding it to sauce.

• Browning sausage first enhances flavor.
• It ensures the meat is fully cooked.
• Cooking separately allows for fat to render, preventing greasy sauce.

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How to Pan Fry Sausage?

1. Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil.
2. Add sausage links or slices.
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently for even browning.
4. If using whole links, add a splash of water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes.

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Why Remove Sausage Casing?

Removing the sausage casing allows you to:

• Crumble the meat for better texture in pasta.
• Avoid chewy casings in recipes where smooth meat is preferred.
• Season the meat directly if desired.

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Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian sausage pasta, a cheesy one-pot dish, or a spicy Cajun twist, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

Enjoy your meal! 🍝