There’s something about a hearty bowl of pasta that makes any evening feel instantly cozy. On a rainy day or after a long one, nothing hits quite like a dish that’s both simple to make and full of flavor. This Bowtie Pasta with Sausage has quickly become one of my weeknight favorites — it’s satisfying, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & easy – perfect for busy weeknights. Comforting & cozy – hearty sausage and tender bowtie pasta make every bite satisfying. Versatile – you can use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even swap in a plant-based option. Crowd-pleasing – a dish that works just as well for a family dinner as it does for hosting friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper,
chopped 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt + pepper to taste
2 tsp brown sugar
Olive oil for cooking
Parmesan cheese for serving
(Optional: add spinach, mushrooms, or a splash of cream for extra richness.)
How to Make It
Cook the pasta – Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water
Brown the sausage – In a large skillet. Add sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned.
Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and caramelize
Remove and set aside.
Sauté the veggies – In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
Make the sauce – Stir in remaining tablespoon of tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Adding pasta water little by little to thicken.
Combine – Add the sausage back to the pan, then fold in the cooked pasta.
Toss until everything is coated in the sauce.
Serve – Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.
For me, this recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a moment of comfort. There’s something so grounding about putting a pot of pasta on the stove while the rain taps at the window, filling the house with the aroma of garlic and herbs. It’s effortless luxury at its finest — a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough to make anytime, something my husband continuously goes back for.
Danielle Mone Knight 