One Pot Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta
It doesn’t get easier than a one pot dinner on a busy weeknight, and this Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta is living proof! It’s packed with tender bow tie pasta, juicy Italian sausage, spring vegetables, and parmesan cheese. This easy dinner is on the table in 30 minutes!
Busy weeks call for quick and easy dinners. This sausage bow tie pasta needs only 7 ingredients, 30 minutes, and boom! Dinner is served.
This bow tie 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’ve made Giada’s dish countless times, and over the years I made it my own by making it a one pot pasta recipe.
When I can get dinner on the table in 30 minutes and there’s only one pot to wash, it’s a very good day, and my family absolutely loves this recipe. 🙂
Why you’ll love this recipe
- This bow tie pasta with sausage and peas 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’s family friendly and is also great for entertaining!
Recipe ingredients
The best part about this easy pasta recipe is that there are only 7 ingredients that involve minimal prep, and it’s still packed with flavor.
- Italian sausage. The Italian sausage is what gives this dish most of the flavor, so using good quality sausage is key. I love using turkey Italian sausage because it’s nice and lean and doesn’t skimp on flavor, but you can use your favorite.
- Bow tie pasta. (AKA farfalle pasta) I used whole wheat bow tie pasta for added fiber and nutrition, but you can use regular bow ties as well.
- 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.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make sausage bow tie pasta
This recipe for bow tie pasta with Italian sausage 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!
Pro tip: 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 its own. You can certainly add a bit of cream or pesto sauce to change things up, but it’s truly not necessary!
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Brown the Italian sausage. Add a drizzle of oil to the pan, and use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small pieces.
- Cook the mushrooms. They’ll release quite a bit of moisture, so just keep cooking them until they’re “dry” and golden brown.
- Add the pasta. Deglaze the pan with water, then stir in the bow tie pasta and a hearty pinch of salt.
- Cook until tender, adding the peas last. Since we’re cooking this one-pot pasta with the lid off, the pasta will need to cook for longer than the package instructs (about 11 to 15 minutes). Add the frozen peas in the final few minutes of cooking.
- Stir in the Parmesan and basil. Do this off the heat so the basil retains its vibrant green color.
- Adjust the seasoning. Taste the pasta and add more salt, pepper, or Parm as needed.
Recipe FAQs
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.
Any type of short cut pasta may be substituted for bow tie pasta, including penne, ziti, fusilli, orecchiette or shells.
Cook the bow tie pasta with the lid OFF so the sauce can reduce and become silky.
Serving suggestions
Serve this hearty sausage and bow tie pasta with a simple side salad, some garlic bread for dipping, or your favorite roasted vegetables.
- If serving this at a dinner party, set out some antipasto skewers as an easy appetizer.
- This 1-hour focaccia recipe is a family favorite and is perfect for mopping up pasta sauce.
- In the summer, we love making a big caprese salad or zesty Italian tricolore salad for serving on the side.
- Air fryer broccoli and roasted asparagus are simple sides that always pair well with pasta.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: 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.
- You can substitute the basil with your favorite fresh herbs or use 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
- Substitute your favorite veggies, just bear in mind that vegetable cooking times vary.
More one pot pasta recipes you’ll love
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
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 bow tie pasta (aka farfalle), 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
Instructions
- 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.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 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.8 ounces cremini mushrooms
- Add the water and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the pasta and a pinch of salt and stir to combine.3 1/2 cups water, 8 ounces whole wheat bow tie pasta
- 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.1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 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 if desired. Serve and enjoy!1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Notes
- Pro tip: 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.
- You can substitute the basil with your favorite fresh herbs or use 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
- Substitute your favorite veggies, just bear in mind that vegetable cooking times vary.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
**This recipe was originally posted in October 2018. Step by step instructions for the recipe have been added, as well as additional recipe information.
10 Comments on “One Pot Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta”
I made this last night for the first time and it won’t be my last!! So easy and delicious. I’m eating the leftovers today for lunch!!!!
I’m so glad you liked it Debbie, and thank you for your feedback!
This is so great and easy
Thank you for your feedback!
One pot and ready in 30 minutes is definitely perfect for busy weekdays! I like that you kept it simple with peas and mushrooms, and the turkey sausage is a nice touch.
Thanks Leanne!
I am SO down for everything in this gorgeous one pot pasta! You could never go wrong with sausage, mushroom, and peas! Cozy food I’ve gotta have!! 🙂
You really can’t go wrong with this! Thanks Sarah! 🙂
I love finding new easy meals, especially when it includes all of my favorite ingredients! This pasta looks SO good, Marcie! I’m loving the sausage and mushroom combo. Sounds so light and comforting for a tasty meal!
Thanks Gayle! This is a pasta dish I never get tired of!