Easy One-Pot Bow Tie Pasta Recipe (Farfalle with Sausage & Broccoli)

Introduction

Busy weeknights call for simple, satisfying meals, and this bow tie pasta recipe delivers! Discover how to create a flavorful, hearty dish in just one pot. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender broccoli, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a family favorite ready in about 30 minutes. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy this delicious meal. You will love how convenient and tasty this one-pot wonder is!

Why You’ll Love This Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This entire farfalle pasta dish cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and simplifying your cooking process significantly.
• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this delicious meal comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is short.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: Enjoy the rich, savory Italian sausage perfectly complemented by a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a truly comforting and hearty meal that everyone will adore.
• Nutrient-Packed: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that contributes significantly to a healthy diet, as detailed in its nutritional benefits. We cleverly sneak in healthy broccoli and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. This adds vibrant color and essential nutrients to your dinner.
• Versatile: Easily adapt this bow tie pasta recipe to suit any dietary preference or what you have on hand. Swap proteins, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this amazing one-pot bow tie pasta recipe:

• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 lb. Mild Italian Pork Sausage, casing removed
• 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
• 1 lb. Bow Tie Pasta (Farfalle)
• 3 c. Chicken Broth
• 2 c. Water
• 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 4 c. Small Broccoli Florets (from 1 (8-oz.) head of broccoli)
• 1/2 c. Julienned Sun-Dried Tomatoes, drained of oil
• 1/3 c. Heavy Cream
• 1/2 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon)
• Red Chili Flakes, for serving (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

• Sausage: Use mild or hot Italian pork sausage based on your preference. Chicken or turkey sausage also works for a leaner option. If using links, remove them from their casings before cooking.
• Pasta: Farfalle, or bow tie pasta, is fantastic here because its shape catches the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use other short, bite-sized pasta shapes like penne, orecchiette, medium shells, or mezzi rigatoni.
• Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of our sauce. You can use low-sodium varieties or even a good quality vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets cook perfectly in the pot alongside the pasta. Other great alternatives include snap peas, asparagus, spinach, or kale, added in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a concentrated, sweet-tart burst of flavor. Use oil-packed, julienned varieties for convenience, ensuring you drain them well to prevent an oily sauce.
• Cream: Heavy cream creates a luxurious, rich sauce. For a lighter touch, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives that offer a similar savory profile.
• Lemon Juice: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice! It brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the cream and sausage for a perfectly balanced flavor.

Equipment

Gathering your tools makes cooking a breeze. For this easy one-pot meal, you will need:

• A large pot or Dutch oven (a cast iron one works wonderfully for even heating)
• A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and breaking up sausage
• A cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• A slotted spoon to remove cooked sausage
• A citrus juicer is optional but helpful for the lemon

Instructions

Creating this delightful one-pot bow tie pasta recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Brown the Sausage: Begin by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the mild Italian pork sausage, with the casing removed. Use your wooden spoon to break the sausage into small, even pieces. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is golden brown and no longer pink. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set it aside, leaving any delicious drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped garlic to the pot with the remaining sausage drippings. Sauté for just 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter very quickly.
3. Add Pasta & Liquids: Next, stir the bow tie pasta, chicken broth, 2 cups of water, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a steady, gentle simmer. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or clumping together.
4. Cook Broccoli: Now, add the small broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. Give everything a good stir. Cover the pot with a lid and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. During this time, the pasta will continue to cook, and the broccoli will steam to a tender-crisp texture. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Combine & Heat: Uncover the pot. Stir in the drained julienned sun-dried tomatoes, the heavy cream, and the reserved cooked sausage. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring gently, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have a chance to meld beautifully.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh lemon juice. Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy consistency, and the lemon brightens all the flavors. Serve your delicious one-pot farfalle with sausage and broccoli immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you enjoy a little extra kick.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Achieving al dente pasta in a one-pot method is key. Start checking for doneness a minute or two before the suggested cooking time. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.
• Sausage Browning: Don’t rush this step! Thoroughly browning the sausage creates a flavorful “fond” (browned bits) at the bottom of the pot. Understanding the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process, explains why browning meat is so crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. These bits add incredible depth when deglazed by the liquids.
• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Aim for tender-crisp broccoli. It should be vibrant green and slightly firm, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli can become watery and lose its appealing texture.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two longer to reduce slightly, or stir in a little more Parmesan.
• Flavor Boosters: A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of dry white wine added with the broth can elevate the flavor. Fresh parsley or basil stirred in at the end also adds a lovely fresh finish to this creamy pasta dish.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile bow tie pasta recipe pairs well with many sides and adapts easily to your tastes.

• Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your one-pot pasta meal with a simple side salad tossed with a vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra delicious sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans also make excellent companions.
• Storage: Store any leftover bow tie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken and separate slightly upon cooling.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual servings.
• Freezing: We advise against freezing this dish. Pasta can become mushy, and dairy-based sauces often separate when thawed, affecting the texture and quality.
• Variations:
  • Protein Swaps: Replace Italian sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef. For a plant-based option, use vegetarian sausage or lentils.
  • Vegetable Additions: Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, fresh spinach, or frozen peas (added at the end) are excellent additions.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses like shredded mozzarella, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by using hot Italian sausage or adding more red chili flakes during cooking.
  • Different Pasta Shapes: While we love farfalle, feel free to use other short pasta varieties like penne, rotini, or cavatappi.

Nutrition Information

This nutritional information is an approximate estimate for one serving of this delicious bow tie pasta recipe, based on dividing the total yield into 6 servings.

Please remember that these values are approximate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

FAQ

• What makes bow tie pasta good for this recipe? The unique “bow tie” or farfalle shape is excellent because its ruffled edges and central pinch effectively capture and hold the creamy, cheesy sauce, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
• Can I use other types of sausage? Absolutely! You can use hot or sweet Italian sausage, or opt for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter take. Just be sure to remove any casings.
• Is it necessary to drain the sun-dried tomatoes? Yes, it is important to drain oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Excess oil can make the sauce greasy and affect its desired creamy consistency.
• How do you julienne sun-dried tomatoes? Simply stack a few drained sun-dried tomato pieces and slice them thinly lengthwise into uniform strips. This creates elegant, consistent pieces.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian? You can easily adapt this creamy pasta dish! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Why is my sauce too thick/thin? If your sauce is too thick, add a little extra broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce, or stir in a bit more grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This easy one-pot bow tie pasta recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t need to be complicated. With its savory Italian sausage, tender farfalle and broccoli, and luscious creamy sauce, it’s a truly satisfying dish that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful meal offers minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Make this a new staple in your kitchen and enjoy the simplicity and rich flavors. We hope you love this easy weeknight pasta as much as we do – be sure to enjoy it and share your thoughts!