Introduction: Are you ready to fall in love with pasta all over again?
Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple package of pasta into a creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece that feels fancy—but takes less than 30 minutes to make? What if we told you that sausage, tomatoes, and cream can create one of the most comforting, kid-friendly, and crowd-pleasing dinners ever? Say hello to Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream—a pasta dish so easy and delicious, it might just become your new weeknight favorite.
Overview: Why This Recipe is a Keeper
This dish is a wonderful mix of rich Italian sausage, tangy tomatoes, and velvety cream, all wrapped around perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. What makes it special?
- Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Easy: No fancy steps, perfect for beginners.
- Family-friendly: Mild but flavorful. You can adjust the spice easily.
- Comfort food classic: Creamy, savory, and filling.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, this dish never disappoints.
Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter
Here’s what you’ll need—and why each item is important:
- Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): Fun, kid-approved shape that holds sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and adds a rich base flavor.
- Sweet Italian Sausage (1 lb): Adds protein, herbs, and meaty flavor. You can swap for spicy sausage or turkey sausage.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp): Optional heat. Use less for mild, more for kick!
- Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A classic flavor base—warm, bold, and aromatic.
- Italian-Style Plum Tomatoes (28 oz can): Chunky, tangy, and perfect for sauce. Sub with diced tomatoes or fire-roasted.
- Heavy Cream (1.5 cups): The silky richness that makes the sauce dreamy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances every flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (3 tbsp): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-style meal at home:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then add bow tie pasta.
- Cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.
- Cook until browned and cooked through (about 7 minutes).
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, until onions are soft and garlic is fragrant.
- Create the Sauce:
- Add chopped tomatoes, heavy cream, and salt to the skillet.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss until every piece is coated and warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan, if desired.

Assembly and Presentation Tips
Want to impress at the dinner table? Here are a few tricks:
- Use a wide, shallow bowl to show off the pasta shape.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Garnish with a whole basil leaf or extra parsley for color.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Got leftovers or prepping in advance? No problem:
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts, or reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the sausage-tomato-cream sauce ahead of time. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready to combine with fresh pasta.
Recipe Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Try these fun twists:
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and more pepper flakes.
- Lighter Option: Swap cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Different Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu crumbles.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a scoop of ricotta.
Conclusion: Make It Tonight!
Now that you know how easy and tasty this recipe is, why not give it a try tonight? Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream brings bold flavor, creamy comfort, and fun pasta together in one perfect dish. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Cook it once—and you’ll keep coming back.
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Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cream
Description
Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple package of pasta into a creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece that feels fancy—but takes less than 30 minutes to make? What if we told you that sausage, tomatoes, and cream can create one of the most comforting, kid-friendly, and crowd-pleasing dinners ever? Say hello to Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream—a pasta dish so easy and delicious, it might just become your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need—and why each item is important:
- Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle): Fun, kid-approved shape that holds sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the sausage and adds a rich base flavor.
- Sweet Italian Sausage (1 lb): Adds protein, herbs, and meaty flavor. You can swap for spicy sausage or turkey sausage.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp): Optional heat. Use less for mild, more for kick!
- Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A classic flavor base—warm, bold, and aromatic.
- Italian-Style Plum Tomatoes (28 oz can): Chunky, tangy, and perfect for sauce. Sub with diced tomatoes or fire-roasted.
- Heavy Cream (1.5 cups): The silky richness that makes the sauce dreamy.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances every flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (3 tbsp): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-style meal at home:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then add bow tie pasta.
- Cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the crumbled Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.
- Cook until browned and cooked through (about 7 minutes).
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, until onions are soft and garlic is fragrant.
- Create the Sauce:
- Add chopped tomatoes, heavy cream, and salt to the skillet.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss until every piece is coated and warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan, if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes! Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or shells work well too.
2. Is it spicy? It can be. Use less red pepper for a milder taste, or skip it.
3. Can I make this dairy-free? Try full-fat coconut milk or dairy-free cream. It changes the flavor slightly but still tastes great.
4. Is this dish kid-friendly? Definitely! Just reduce the red pepper and use sweet sausage.
5. Can I freeze it? You can freeze the sauce separately. Pasta doesn’t freeze well—it can get mushy when thawed.
6. Is this a healthy recipe? It’s balanced and can be made lighter with leaner sausage and low-fat cream options. Add veggies for extra nutrition.
7. What can I serve with this dish? Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans are great sides.
8. Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
9. How long does it take to make? Around 30 minutes, start to finish.
10. Can I make it ahead for a party? Yes—prep the sauce in advance, then boil fresh pasta before serving. Keeps flavors fresh and texture perfect.