Creamy Sausage & Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
A delicious and creamy pasta dish with browned sausage, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese — all tossed with bowtie pasta for the perfect comfort meal.
🍝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the pasta:
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12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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Salt (for boiling water)
For the sausage and sauce:
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12 oz (340g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth (or saved pasta water)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little spice)
For serving:
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Extra grated Parmesan
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Chopped fresh parsley or basil
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Cracked black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (still firm when you bite it).
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Save ½ cup of the pasta water (optional), then drain and set pasta aside.
2. Cook the sausage:
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In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides (about 4–5 minutes).
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Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the sauce:
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In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften a bit.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add cheese and season:
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
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Taste the sauce and add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce.
5. Mix pasta and sauce:
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Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan.
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Toss everything together until well coated.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the saved pasta water.
6. Serve:
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Spoon into bowls.
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Top with more Parmesan, chopped parsley or basil, and a bit of cracked pepper.
✅ Tips:
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Want it spicier? Use spicy sausage or add more chili flakes.
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Want to make it lighter? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.