Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream Recipe

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s weeknight-friendly yet feels like something you’d get at your favorite Italian trattoria, Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream absolutely nails it. This recipe is a longtime family favorite—creamy, savory, and brimming with bold flavors—yet it comes together with everyday ingredients for maximum comfort in minimal time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream is all about those a-ha moments when simple ingredients combine into sheer magic. Each ingredient has a role—whether it’s adding body to the sauce, a pop of freshness, or that irresistible savory flavor we all crave. Here’s what brings it together:

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle): This pasta catches all the luscious sauce in its nooks—don’t be afraid to use 3/4 of the package for a generous helping of flavor!
• Sweet Italian sausage: Provides loads of meaty, herby flavor; try a mix of sweet and spicy sausage if you love a little kick.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives the sauce subtle warmth without overwhelming the dish.
• Chopped onion: Sautés down to a mellow sweetness, adding background depth to every bite.
• Garlic: Essential for classic Italian aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
• Fresh mushrooms: They soak up all those juices from the sausage and tomatoes, making every forkful earthy and umami-rich.
• Italian style diced tomatoes: The backbone of the sauce; draining them first keeps everything velvety rather than watery.
• Heavy cream: This is what turns your everyday tomato sauce into something luxurious and silky beyond belief.
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Stirs into the sauce for a salty, nutty hit and gets sprinkled on top for extra savoriness.
• Salt: Balances, brightens, and pulls all the flavors together—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
• Fresh basil: A last-minute sprinkle adds color, fragrance, and brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
• Additional Parmesan or Romano cheese: For serving—because you can never have enough cheese!

Variations

One of the delights of Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream is how adaptable it is—you can mix and match proteins, dial up veggies, or adjust the creaminess to fit your own kitchen and cravings. Here are a few ways to make it yours:

• Switch up the protein: Try spicy Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even bite-sized chicken breast pieces for a lighter take that still delivers big flavor.
• Try different pastas: Farfalle is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or even rotini will give you just as much saucy goodness.
• Make it lighter: Swap all or part of the heavy cream for half-and-half (or even whole milk) for a slightly less rich but still dreamy sauce.
• Add more veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or chopped bell peppers go beautifully here—just add them with the mushrooms to keep things easy.
• Go fresh: When tomatoes are in season, use fresh ripe tomatoes (about 5 1/2 cups chopped), and add a pinch of extra salt and fresh herbs for a wow factor.

How to Make Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your bowtie pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, toss it with a little drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set it aside while you get the sauce going.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Set a large pan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it browns. Once cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel–lined plate—the pan should still have flavorful bits left on the bottom.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Without wiping out the pan (extra flavor lives here!), add the onions, mushrooms, and red pepper flakes. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, letting the mushrooms release their juices and the onions soften to golden tenderness. Stir in the minced garlic for just the last minute—don’t let it burn!

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Add the drained Italian tomatoes to the pan, followed by the heavy cream and a generous pinch of salt. Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Let this sauce gently simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors start to meld in the most glorious way.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once the sauce has reached that perfect creamy consistency, stir in the grated Parmesan until velvety and luscious. Add the cooked bowtie pasta, tossing to coat every piece, or serve the pasta on a platter and pour the sauce over the top if you like. Shower everything with fresh basil and even more Parmesan or Romano cheese as the final touch.

How to Serve Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream better than a shower of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and a handful of chopped basil. If you like a hint of extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top is pure magic. A drizzle of good olive oil makes it feel restaurant-approved!

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own but is swoon-worthy next to a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Add garlic bread (for sopping up every bit of sauce) or steamed green beans for a complete, comforting feast that brings everyone to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream in a big, shallow platter for family style, or plate individually with a nest of pasta swirled high. Add a basil sprig or edible flowers for color, or offer a bowl of extra grated cheese at the table for self-serve fun—everyone loves being in charge of their own cheese sprinkle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers quickly and transfer to an airtight container—Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mingle and deepen, making it just as (if not more) delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, let the pasta and sauce cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It freezes nicely for up to two months, though the cream sauce may separate a little when reheated (just stir well and maybe add a splash more cream or pasta water to revive it).

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a saucepan or skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess, stirring gently until warmed through. For speedier reheating, you can use the microwave—cover loosely and pause to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

No matter the season or occasion, Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream is that dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s cozy, festive, and easy to make your own—and the kind of meal that always brings out smiles. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table!

Print