Italian Chicken Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta for a Comforting Weeknight Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Chicken Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a deeply satisfying yet remarkably simple dish that brings together robust Italian flavors with tender pasta and a creamy, savory sauce. It’s the type of recipe that feels comforting and hearty without requiring long hours in the kitchen. I especially love how adaptable it is—I once made it with spinach-infused bow tie pasta, and the added color and flavor made the dish even better. The mild spice of Italian chicken sausage blends perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and cream, creating a balanced bowl of pasta that tastes restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking for an easy weeknight recipe that still feels special, this pasta is sure to impress. It reheats beautifully, pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread, and is customizable enough to fit any preference.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ingredients Breakdown

Italian chicken sausage
This sausage provides bold, comforting flavor with a lighter profile than traditional pork sausage. It cooks quickly and blends seamlessly with creamy or tomato-based sauces.

Bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Bow tie pasta holds sauces well due to its ridged, pinched shape. It offers a pleasant texture and helps capture bits of sausage and vegetables.

Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the sausage and aromatics. It adds richness and enhances the Italian flavors in the dish.

Onion
Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth as it softens. It’s an essential base that balances the acidity of tomatoes and richness of cream.

Garlic
Fresh garlic adds the signature aroma and bold flavor characteristic of Italian cooking. It infuses the entire sauce with warmth.

Diced tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes add moisture, acidity, and slight sweetness. They create a base that meshes beautifully with cream.

Heavy cream
Heavy cream balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan adds nuttiness, saltiness, and a finishing richness to the dish.

Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme deepens the savory profile and complements the sausage.

Spinach (optional)
Spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the other flavors.

Salt and pepper
These simple seasonings tie everything together and allow you to adjust the flavor to preference.

Directions

Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage, removing the casings if necessary, and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.

Next, add the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently so the flavors can meld. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. If using spinach, fold it in at this stage and allow it to wilt.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece in the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let the pasta rest for a minute to absorb some of the sauce, then serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, broth, or water to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving on low power also works well. Avoid overheating, as it may dry out the pasta.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy version

Use hot Italian chicken sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.

Tomato-forward sauce

Increase the diced tomatoes or add tomato sauce for a deeper red, more robust base.

Extra creamy pasta

Add more heavy cream or stir in cream cheese for a thicker texture.

Veggie-loaded option

Include mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added nutrition.

Lemon-herb finish

Add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness and acidity.

Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta

Swap the pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.

Sun-dried tomato twist

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and concentrated flavor.

Basil and fresh herbs

Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a herbal, aromatic lift.

Mozzarella melt

Stir in shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy sauce.

Lightened version

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add extra spinach.

FAQs

Can I use pork or turkey sausage instead?

Yes, any Italian-style sausage works well.

Does bow tie pasta have to be used?

No, you can use penne, rotini, or shells.

Can I make this without cream?

You can swap with half-and-half or a milk-flour mixture, though the sauce will be thinner.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, chopped fresh tomatoes work, but the sauce may be lighter.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, assemble it and reheat gently before serving.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add extra Parmesan cheese.

Can I freeze this?

The cream sauce may separate when thawed, so freezing is not recommended.

Is spinach necessary?

No, it’s optional but adds color and nutrition.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth—let it reduce before adding cream.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut milk and omit the Parmesan, though the flavor will change.

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Sausage with Bow Tie Pasta is a flavorful, comforting, and quick dinner perfect for busy evenings or when you crave something homemade and satisfying. The creamy tomato sauce, tender noodles, and seasoned sausage come together in a harmonious blend that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. With endless customization options, this is a versatile recipe you can tailor to your tastes and enjoy again and again.

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