Preparation

Making this Creamy Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta is incredibly straightforward. It’s a one-pan meal that’s full of flavor yet easy to prepare. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously so the pasta is well-seasoned. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (if using sausage links, be sure to remove the casing before adding). Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown and become crispy in some spots. This step should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried oregano. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your preference. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the creamy goodness.

Step 7: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. It’s a delicious, rich dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something comforting and indulgent.