Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances spice and creaminess—Spicy Bow Tie Pasta! This Italian delight is not only a feast for the senses but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 25 minutes. Imagine savoring al dente bow tie pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, complemented by savory Italian sausage and a kick of red pepper flakes. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Dive into the full recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the bow tie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the sausage for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sausage and tomato mixture, adjusting the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to create a rich, creamy sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sausage and tomato cream sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each pasta piece.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top of the pasta.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always salt your boiling water generously before adding the pasta. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself and ensures a delicious base for your dish.
- Sausage Secrets: For an extra layer of flavor, try using spicy Italian sausage or adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after browning the sausage. This will deglaze the pan and add depth to your sauce.
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This starchy water not only adjusts the texture but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant taste and color.
- Garnish for Glory: Elevate your dish by garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves before serving. It adds a beautiful touch and enhances the overall flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding other ingredients like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Spicy Bow Tie Pasta recipe and watch it become a staple in your home!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 95mg
