This Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is a quick and tasty meal! With savory sausage and colorful bell peppers tossed with bow tie pasta, it’s a feast for both the eyes and stomach.
Honestly, who doesn’t love pasta? I enjoy making this dish because it cooks up fast, and it makes the kitchen smell amazing. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, if there are any! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bow Tie Pasta: The star of this dish! Bow ties, or farfalle, hold sauces nicely. You can switch it up and use penne or fusilli if you like a different shape.
Italian Sausage: This really adds flavor to the dish. If you want a healthier option, turkey sausage works great too. You can also use vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version.
Bell Peppers: I like combining red and green for color, but feel free to use any color you have on hand! Yellow or orange peppers are sweeter and can be a delicious change.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture, but if you have fresh tomatoes, you can use those instead; just ensure they’re ripe and juicy!
Chicken Broth: This keeps the sauce flavorful. You can swap it with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Doesn’t Stick?
A common concern is pasta sticking together as it cooks. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Make sure to use plenty of salted water—this helps flavor and keeps pasta from clumping.
- Stir the pasta gently right after adding it to boiling water, and occasionally during cooking.
- Don’t forget to drain it well but reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water. That starchy water can help loosen your sauce later on!
Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta cooking water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total for this dish—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Brown the Sausage:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. After that, take it out of the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. SautĂ© them for 4-5 minutes until they become softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, return the cooked sausage back to the skillet. Add the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth (or the reserved pasta water), and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend all those tasty flavors.
5. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, adding more pasta water if needed to create a nice saucy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Finish and Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for some extra flavor. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to make it look pretty.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta warm and enjoy every bite! It’s comfort food made easy!
FAQ for Easy Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to Italian sausage. Just make sure to season it well with Italian herbs to maintain the flavor of the dish.
What Else Can I Add to This Pasta?
You can get creative with add-ins! Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would all work well. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers to keep everything evenly cooked.
Can I Make This Pasta Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with your favorite vegetarian sausage or use canned chickpeas for added protein. You can also load it up with more vegetables for that hearty feel!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring back its saucy texture.
