Savory, comforting, and delightfully simple to whip up, this Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Each forkful combines juicy crumbles of Italian sausage with perfectly al dente bow tie pasta, all coated in a rich tomato sauce that clings lovingly to every piece. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen.

This recipe brings that rustic, hearty Italian spirit straight to your table. It balances deep meaty flavors with gentle herbs, a hint of garlic, and the slight sweetness of tomatoes. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or prepping a meal for later, this pasta dish is equal parts cozy and practical.

What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

For the most robust flavor, opt for Italian sausage—either sweet or hot, depending on your taste. Sweet sausage gives a mellow, herby profile while hot adds a peppery kick. Look for high-quality sausage with visible flecks of seasoning. Bulk sausage (not in casings) works best, as it’s easier to crumble into the sauce.

Ingredients for the Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): These whimsical pasta shapes have ridges and folds that catch and hold the sauce perfectly.

Italian Sausage: The heart of the dish. Rich and seasoned, it infuses every bite with its savory depth.

Crushed Tomatoes or Diced Tomatoes: These provide the base for the sauce, offering acidity, sweetness, and texture.

Garlic: Just a few cloves elevate the sauce with a warm, aromatic edge.

Onion: Sautéed until golden, onion adds a sweet, savory base note.

Olive Oil: For sautéing and enriching the sauce with silky texture.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme ties everything together.

Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing every flavor.

Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated on top for a nutty, salty finish.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of color and fresh contrast at the end.

How To Make the Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Return the browned sausage to the pan. Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low for 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Serve this hearty pasta straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of chopped parsley. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well in this recipe. Just aim for shapes that hold onto sauce.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and store. Reheat just before serving for best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. Just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What can I use instead of Italian sausage?

Ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based sausage can substitute, though flavor intensity may vary.

Can I add vegetables?

Of course. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions to boost nutrition and flavor.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta, you’ll love these savory favorites:

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky, spicy twist.
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce for a nostalgic, comforting classic.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta that’s rich, creamy, and oven-ready.
Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini if you’re craving a creamy one-pan pasta.
One Pot Lemon Chicken Gnocchi Delight for something bright and cozy.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for sweet or spicy sausage? Did you sneak in extra veggies or top it with cheese?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Italian Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy, hearty pasta dish combining savory Italian sausage, bow tie pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a comforting meal that comes together easily and satisfies every time.

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add sausage, cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook onion until translucent. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Return sausage to skillet. Add tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
Combine: Toss pasta with sauce in skillet. Add pasta water if needed. Serve with Parmesan and parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner