Bow Tie Pasta With Sausage And Creamy Tomato Sauce
Creamy bow tie pasta with savory sausage and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sausage over medium heat, breaking up clumps.
- Pour fat from skillet.
- Add crushed tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Skim off excess fat from the sauce.
- Add heavy cream and increase heat to boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened and creamy.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. Fresh basil can also be used instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note. This dish pairs wonderfully with Quick Italian Bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage and Creamy Tomato Sauce garnished with additional parsley for freshness. This dish is excellent on its own or accompanied by a side salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Piccolo Pizzas for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce, stirring until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta gummy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bow Tie Pasta With Sausage And Creamy Tomato Sauce contains roughly 177 calories, with 13g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (180% of the Daily Value), iron (97% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1989mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is great for this dish, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it reaches your desired doneness.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can easily add some heat by including crushed red pepper flakes when you cook the sausage. Alternatively, you could use a spicy Italian sausage instead of the regular variety, which will add flavor and a kick to the sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for texture. You can also add a variety of vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).