Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian-inspired sensation! This irresistible Bow Ties with Sausage and Sweet Peppers recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. With a perfect balance of savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bow tie pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of bow tie pasta, 1 pound of Italian sausage, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help flavor the pasta.
- Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble the sausage into the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sausage and peppers. Toss everything together to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the pasta.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly seasoned.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Bow Ties with Sausage and Sweet Peppers hot, garnished with additional olive oil or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the most authentic flavor. Remove the casing to allow the meat to crumble and caramelize beautifully.
- Pepper Power: Cut your bell peppers into uniform slices to ensure even cooking. The combination of red and yellow peppers adds both visual appeal and sweet, vibrant flavor.
- Garlic Wisdom: Add minced garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and preserve its robust flavor.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the bow tie pasta.
- Final Touch: Let the dish rest for a minute after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
