One Pot Italian Sausage Farfalle Pasta

Name: One Pot Italian Sausage Farfalle Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided); 1 lb. Italian sausage (I used Diestel brand turkey Italian sausage); 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (stemmed and sliced); 3 1/2 cups water; 8 ounces whole wheat farfalle pasta (or sub with your favorite short cut pasta); 1 cup fresh or frozen peas (thaw slightly if frozen); 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan (plus more for serving); 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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by Marcie // September 29, 2021

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It doesn’t get easier than a one pot dinner on a busy weeknight, and this Italian Sausage Farfalle Pasta is living proof! It’s full of flavor, includes just 7 ingredients, and it’s on the table in 30 minutes!

Italian sausage pasta on a plate with a fork

**This recipe was originally posted in October 2018. Step by step instructions for the recipe have been added, as well as additional recipe information.

Last week was a busy week! I was in the Carmel Valley for a couple of amazing days, and then when I returned my son had a two-day water polo tournament in the Sacramento area.

His game on Saturday began at 7AM, which meant getting up at 4AM to make the drive up there. That is an ungodly time to get up on a weekend day (let alone any day), but at least I didn’t have to get into the pool. 🙂

Busy times call for quick and easy dinners. My Thai peanut pasta and Mexican rice casserole are recipes that I turn to often, but this Italian Sausage Farfalle Pasta is even easier.

It takes only 7 ingredients, 30 minutes and boom! Dinner is served.

This farfalle pasta recipe was inspired by Giada De Laurentiis’ dish Farfalle with Turkey Sausage, Peas and Mushrooms, which I watched her prepare on her Food Network show Every Day Italian many years ago.

I’d just become a stay-at-home mom after giving birth to my oldest son, so I was always on the look out for quick meals. I loved that her dish didn’t require a sauce — just olive oil — and there were only a few ingredients.

I’ve made Giada’s dish countless times, and over the years I made it my own by making it one pot pasta recipe.

Italian sausage farfalle pasta in a skillet

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Italian sausage pasta is flavorful, satisfying and is on the table in just 30 minutes with only one pot to wash.
The starch from the pasta creates a creamy “sauce”, which eliminates the need for excess oil or fat.
It includes just 7 ingredients with very minimal prep.
It’s family friendly and is also great for entertaining!

Recipe ingredients

The best part about this farfalle pasta recipe is that there are only 7 ingredients that involve minimal prep, and it’s still packed with flavor.

Turkey Italian sausage pasta ingredients

Italian sausage. The Italian sausage is what gives this dish most of the flavor, so using good quality sausage is key. I love using Diestel Turkey Italian Sausage because it’s nice and lean and doesn’t skimp on flavor, but you can use your favorite.
Farfalle pasta. I used whole wheat farfalle pasta (also known as bow tie pasta) for added fiber and nutrition. It may be substituted with another short cut pasta such as penne, fusilli, orecchiette, ziti, shells, etc.
Veggies and basil. The mushrooms, peas and basil may be substituted with whatever veggies and herbs that you have on hand. Broccoli, asparagus, onions, spinach or other fresh greens would be great additions.
Parmesan cheese. Omit the parmesan to make this meal dairy free.

How to make Italian sausage pasta

This Italian sausage pasta recipe is one of the easiest dinners you’ll ever make. There is minimal prep involved, it’s ready in 30 minutes and clean up is a breeze!

One pot pasta recipes eliminate the need for a sauce as the starches from the pasta are released as it cooks to create a creamy, silky “sauce” all on it’s own.

You can certainly add a bit of cream or pesto sauce to change things up, but it’s truly not necessary!

How to make Italian sausage pasta collage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the mushrooms. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms have browned and their liquid has evaporated.
Add the water and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the farfalle and a pinch of salt and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 11-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the water is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Add the peas during the last 4-5 minutes of cooking time.
When the pasta is done, remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Adjust the seasoning as necessary and serve with additional parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Wooden spoon scooping farfalle pasta in skillet

FAQs

What makes Italian sausage different?

Italian sausage is typically pork sausage seasoned with garlic and fennel, and is mild or spicy in flavor. Chicken and turkey Italian sausage are also great options.

What can I use instead of Italian sausage?

Ground meats such as chicken, turkey or beef may be substituted for the Italian sausage, but additional seasonings should be added as they don’t have big flavor like the sausage.

What is farfalle pasta used for?

Farfalle pasta is very versatile, and may be tossed with light sauces such as butter, oil and pesto, or heavier sauces such as cream or red sauce. It’s small shape also makes it great in Italian pasta salad or to bulk up this Italian chopped salad.

What can I substitute for farfalle pasta?

Any type of short cut pasta may be substituted for farfalle pasta, including penne, ziti, fusilli, orecchiette or shells.

Recipe notes

I used whole wheat farfalle in this recipe for added fiber, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta.
I recommend using turkey Italian sausage as it’s nice and lean and still has wonderful flavor, but any type may be used.
Substitute your favorite veggies, just bear in mind that vegetable cooking times vary.
You can substitute the basil with your favorite fresh herbs or use 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
Store leftover Italian sausage pasta in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the pasta seems dry, drizzle additional olive oil over the top before serving.

Plate of farfalle pasta topped with parmesan cheese and basil

More one pot pasta recipes you’ll love:

If you try this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me @flavorthemoments on Instagram!