Creamy Sausage & Bowtie Pasta 🍝🌿
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup baby spinach (optional)
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
Drain excess grease if needed.
3️⃣ Build the Sauce
Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
4️⃣ Make It Creamy
Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
If using spinach, add now and cook until wilted.
5️⃣ Combine
Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat.
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
🔥 Flavor Boost Ideas
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Add sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness
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Stir in mushrooms for extra depth
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Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness
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Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter version
🍽️ Serve With
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Garlic bread 🥖
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Caesar salad 🥗
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Roasted broccoli 🥦