This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a hearty and delicious pasta recipe made with Italian sausage, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, bow tie pasta, lots of mozzarella cheese and seasoned perfectly. A family favorite recipe since we were kids.
This simple pasta skillet is one that I’ve been a fan of since I was a girl. Growing up, my mother made this for the family quite often. I imagine because it’s so simple and affordable. And of course, it can feed a big family. When I got older, I made this recipe quite a bit as a single woman. I loved to cook, but I was also at that age where you’d rather be out than in, and this recipe was something I could make once and it for a few days. Of course, eventually, I settled down, and then I continued to make this one because it made my hectic mom schedule so much easier.
These days, I make this recipe for potlucks or for weeks that I know will be extra busy for me. It’s nice to be able to cook up this dish quickly and then know I won’t have to cook again for a bit. That’s the real strength of this recipe. It’s the combo of ease and flavor that really makes it shine.
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
This simple dish begins with hot Italian sausage for a kick of heat. Then, I make a simple tomato sauce with canned diced tomatoes and fresh chopped garlic and onion and spices. Then, I combine it with al dente bow tie noodles and lots of delicious, melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a quick, easy, delicious, and hearty meal that can feed an army and leave them all satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
- It’s a delicious pasta dinner recipe that works for a casual weeknight dinner, laid-back potluck, or an elegant dinner party.
- It’s cheesy, so flavorful, and only takes a handful of ingredients.
- It’s devoured every time it’s made. Leftovers are rare!
- It’s one of those dishes that becomes a family favorite. My mom made it, I make it, and my kids make it.
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Tips and Variations
This recipe is an incredibly straightforward skillet, but I do have a couple of tips to make it the best it can be. I also have some variations that I think you’ll enjoy.
Tips
- Always cook your pasta to al dente and no further. Firm pasta is best for a recipe like this one.
- Be sure to drain your sausage and only reserve the specified amount of grease so this dish isn’t overly greasy.
Variations
- If you don’t like spicy food, use mild Italian sausage.
- Use your favorite small noodles for this recipe. They all work.
- You can make this dish with ground beef instead of Italian sausage.
What to Serve with Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
This is a hearty, filling meal, and I recommend keeping the sides on the lighter side. Some great options I love include:
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed vegetables
- Potato wedges
- Brussels sprouts
- Roasted artichokes
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta FAQ
The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this Italian sausage bow tie past.
What is the Italian name for bow tie-shaped pasta?
Bow tie pasta is called farfalle in Italy. It translates to butterflies.
What is the difference between bow tie and farfalle pasta?
The only difference is the name. In North America, it’s called bow tie because it looks like a bow tie. In Italy, it’s called farfalle, or butterflies, because they also look like butterflies.
How long should bow tie pasta be cooked?
Bow tie pasta should be cooked for about 11 minutes for authentic al dente pasta.
Who invented bow tie pasta?
Bow tie pasta originated during the 16th century in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. Originally, it was called strichetti, which means strips. The story goes that it was invented by Italian housewives who wanted to use up extra pasta dough leftover from making filled Cappelletti.
How long will Italian sausage bow tie pasta last in the fridge?
This will keep in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.
Can you freeze Italian sausage bow tie pasta?
Absolutely. Freeze it for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.
How to Store and Reheat Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Store your leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
To reheat, simply place it in a pot and heat it over medium-low heat with the lid on until heated through.
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Ingredients
It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. It’s all about simplicity.
- Farfalle “Bowtie” Pasta
- Hot Italian sausage, crumbled
- Mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded (can use more cheese)
- Large onion, chopped
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Petite diced tomatoes, do not drain
- Oregano
- Basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
It only takes a few easy steps to make this easy, delicious recipe. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Remove the sausage from the casing and break it up into pieces in a large skillet. Cook sausage over medium heat, crumbling it as you cook it until it’s no longer pink. Then, drain the grease, reserving two tablespoons. Set the sausage aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic
Add the reserved grease to the skillet. Then, add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
Step 3: Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients
Pour the diced tomatoes into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Then, add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
Step 4: Complete the Sauce
Add the sausage back to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Make the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot for al dente.
Step 6: Complete the Dish
Pour the sauce into the pot with the noodles and stir. Then, add the cheese and stir until combined. Enjoy!
Try This Delicious Italian Sausage Pasta Dish Today
This easy Italian sausage bow tie pasta is incredibly simple to make and full of delicious, classic Italian flavors. It’s so hearty and simple that it makes the perfect weeknight dinner or addition to any potluck or party. Give it a try, and I know you and your family will love it as much as mine does.
More Delicious Italian Sausage Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Italian Sausage Pasta Bake – A creamy and delicious pasta recipe made with a meat sauce and an Alfredo sauce; creating the best of both worlds.
Homemade Calzones – A delicious calzone that is loaded with Italian sausage, pepperonis, and mozzarella cheese. It’s all stuffed into a homemade dough and baked to a golden brown.
Shepherd’s Pie – A twist on a typical Shepherd’s Pie recipe because this one is made with Italian sausage, in place of beef, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cheese.
And, try this Italian Sausage Fettuccine Pasta from our other blog, Great Grub, Delicious Treats.
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Farfalle “Bowtie” Pasta
- 2 pounds Hot Italian sausage, crumbled
- 24 ounce mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded (can use more cheese)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounce petite diced tomatoes, do not drain
- 1½ tsp oregano
- 1½ tsp basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove sausage from casing and add to a large skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, crumble sausage and cook until no longer pink.
- Drain grease, reserving 2 tablespoons. Set sausage aside.
- Add reserved grease to pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent.
- Pour diced tomatoes into the skillet with onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle oregano and basil, salt and pepper into the tomato mixture. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Add sausage back to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large pot over medium high heat, bring water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente. Drain and add back pot.
- Add sausage and tomato mixture into pot with pasta, stir.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until combined.
- Serve with side salad, garlic bread, or just by itself.
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