Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds! This mouthwatering Alfredo Bowtie Pasta with Italian Sausage is the perfect marriage of creamy, rich sauce and perfectly browned sausage, creating a dish that's both luxurious and comforting. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make – prepare to become the kitchen hero of your household!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from casings and crumble into the skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the sausage. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely, coating the sausage and garlic.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cream and sausage mixture, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the creamy sausage sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to ensure well-seasoned pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; the starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Cook the sausage until it's deeply browned for maximum flavor development.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process - low and slow prevents burning and releases sweet, aromatic notes.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce immediately after cooking to help it absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 1062kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 83g
Saturated Fat: 46g
Cholesterol: 245mg
