Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, generously coated with a rich, savory sauce and studded with juicy Italian sausage - a meal that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary journey that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor, guaranteed to become your new go-to dinner that will have family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Make sure you have 12 oz of bow tie pasta, 1 lb of Italian sausage, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cloves of garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water, then add the bow tie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and tomato mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta with the sausage and sauce, adding a little bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
- Enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each bow tie.
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the most authentic and robust flavor.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it can quickly turn bitter and ruin the dish's delicate balance.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter when tossing the pasta.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, opt for hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
