Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of Italian sausage, the delicate sweetness of leeks, and the luxurious richness of heavy cream - all perfectly embraced by tender bow tie pasta. This isn't just another weeknight meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that looks gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from its casing and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add sliced leeks to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté together for 4-5 minutes until leeks become soft and slightly translucent.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with sausage and leeks. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until smoothly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sausage and leek sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss pasta thoroughly to ensure even coating with sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor - the meat's seasoning is key to this dish's success.
- Clean leeks thoroughly by slicing and soaking in cold water to remove any hidden dirt between layers.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.
- Cook sausage until it's deeply browned to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
- Be gentle with garlic to prevent burning, which can make it bitter.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor integration.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain a pleasant texture.
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 165mg
