When you’re short on time but still crave something comforting and delicious, this creamy bowtie pasta recipe is your answer. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal that feels special without the fuss. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as simple as it is delightful.
Steps
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil and sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add chopped garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add bow tie pasta, chicken broth, 2 cups of water, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the broccoli florets, cover the pot, and cook until the pasta and broccoli are tender, about 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Uncover the pot and add julienned sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and the reserved sausage. Cook for about 1 minute until everything is heated through.
- Remove the pot from the heat and mix in grated parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and red chili flakes if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian pork sausage, casing removed
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups small broccoli florets (from 1 head of broccoli, about 8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus additional for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- Red chili flakes, for serving (optional)
FAQ
- What ingredients are necessary for the bow tie pasta dish?
- This simple recipe requires pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, lemon, and spices. Additionally, you’ll need Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and broccoli, which are likely to be found in your pantry or fridge.
- Why are sun-dried tomatoes special in this recipe?
- Sun-dried tomatoes provide a bold, concentrated tomato flavor that’s both sweet and tangy, adding an extra depth of taste to the pasta dish.
- What does it mean to julienne a vegetable?
- To julienne means to cut an ingredient into thin, long strips resembling matchsticks. In this recipe, sun-dried tomatoes are julienned, but you can purchase them pre-sliced or do it yourself without needing perfection.
- What other names are there for bow tie pasta?
- Bow tie pasta is also known as “farfalle,” an Italian term meaning “butterfly,” inspired by the pasta’s shape.
- What are suitable alternatives if I don’t have farfalle pasta?
- If farfalle isn’t available, short pasta varieties like shells, orecchiette, mini penne, or mezzi rigatoni serve as great substitutes.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are ready and within reach. Pre-chop the broccoli and julienne the sun-dried tomatoes if they aren’t pre-sliced. This will streamline your cooking process and help everything come together quickly.
- Use One Pot for Easy Cleanup: This recipe is designed to minimize mess by using a single pot. Follow the steps carefully to cook everything in one pot, which saves you time on washing dishes afterward.
- Stir and Simmer for Perfect Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks in the broth and water mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure it cooks evenly. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce, so there’s no need for a separate pot.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: After combining all the ingredients, taste the dish before serving. You might want to adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of red chili flakes for some heat, according to your preference.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Wooden spoon
- pot bow tie pasta dish as described in the recipe.
