Savory Italian Sausage Pasta

This Italian sausage pasta combines savory meat with colorful bell peppers in a light tomato sauce that coats every bow tie pasta piece perfectly. It's our family's go-to dinner when we need something satisfying but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I created this recipe when my Italian mother-in-law was visiting and needed to impress her with minimal effort. It worked so well that she asked for my "secret family recipe" which I had to admit was thrown together that same afternoon!

• Italian sausage adds rich flavor as the protein foundation for the dish
• Bow tie pasta catches the sauce perfectly in its folds
• Bell peppers provide sweetness and vibrant color contrast
• Onion and garlic create an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish
• Diced tomatoes offer tanginess and moisture without making the dish too saucy
• Dried herbs infuse everything with classic Italian flavor
• Chicken broth adds depth while creating just enough sauce to coat the pasta
• Parmesan cheese brings that essential umami finish that ties everything together

How To Make Italian Sausage Pasta

Prepare the pasta

Boil the bow tie pasta in heavily salted water according to package directions until al dente. This typically takes about 10 minutes but check frequently as overcooked pasta will become mushy. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Brown the sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Remove sausage from casings if necessary and add to hot pan. Break the meat into smaller chunks as it cooks using a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until no pink remains and edges develop a golden brown crust for maximum flavor. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Sauté the vegetables

Using the same skillet with sausage drippings for flavor base, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until they begin to soften and onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to avoid burning.

Create the sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle in dried basil and oregano. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from bottom of pan with wooden spoon to incorporate those flavors into sauce.

Combine components

Return cooked sausage to skillet and let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. This allows flavors to meld while slightly reducing sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Add cooked pasta directly to skillet and toss everything together until pasta is thoroughly coated with sauce.

Serve and garnish

Divide pasta among warm plates and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For best flavor, use a block of Parmesan and grate it fresh rather than using pre grated options.

My favorite thing about this recipe is how the sausage flavor permeates the entire dish. I learned from my grandmother to let the meat develop a good crust before removing it from the pan, which adds incredible depth. The first time I made this for my children, my youngest declared it was "even better than pizza" which is the highest compliment in our house!

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Italian sausage pasta actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta will absorb liquid as it sits. Microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top to prevent splatters, or reheat gently in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to what you have available. Turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully for a lighter option. Any short pasta shape can replace bow ties. I sometimes use penne, rotini, or shells depending on what's in my pantry. For a vegetarian version, substitute plant based sausage or add a can of drained white beans. If you prefer a creamier finish, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

While this pasta stands perfectly on its own as a complete meal, I often serve it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to balance the richness. A side of garlic bread makes it an even heartier dinner. For wine pairings, a medium bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the sausage beautifully. For special occasions, I serve this in a large, warmed platter family style with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves on the side so everyone can customize their portion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the bow tie pasta with any medium-sized pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells. The cooking time might vary slightly, so follow package instructions for best results.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables, or include a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

→ What sides pair well with this pasta?

A simple green salad with Italian dressing or garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment. For a more substantial meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a caprese salad.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, then combine with the reheated sauce.