Whip up a truly satisfying dinner with this incredible Easy One-Pot Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Broccoli! This recipe delivers rich, creamy flavors in a single pot, making your weeknight meal prep a breeze. Enjoy a hearty dish without the endless cleanup. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Get ready for a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll quickly fall for this delightful bow tie pasta recipe for so many great reasons:
- Quick 30-Minute Preparation: From start to finish, this meal is on your table in about half an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Satisfying, Hearty, and Flavorful: Every bite is packed with savory sausage, tender pasta, and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have many of these basic items already on hand, making grocery shopping easy.
- Family-Friendly and Customizable: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, and it’s simple to adapt to different tastes.
- Minimal Cleanup with One Pot: The best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less time washing dishes after dinner.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create one of your new favorite bow tie pasta recipes. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s incredible flavor and texture.
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. mild Italian pork sausage, casing removed
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 lb. bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- Did you know that Farfalle pasta, also known as bow ties, dates back to 16th-century Italy and means ‘butterflies’?
- 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 Italian pork sausage for a balanced flavor, or opt for hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier kick. Always remove the sausage from its casing before browning.
- Pasta: Farfalle, or bow tie pasta, is beautiful and holds the sauce well. You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, orecchiette, or rotini for similar results in this creamy pasta dish.
- Broth: Store-bought chicken broth works wonderfully, but feel free to use homemade if available. Vegetable broth is also an option for a lighter base.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a lovely texture and vibrant color. You can swap them with snap peas, asparagus pieces, or even frozen peas added at the end.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These provide a concentrated, sweet-tart flavor burst. Ensure you use oil-packed julienned sun-dried tomatoes for the best taste and texture, draining them well before adding.
- Cream: Heavy cream creates the rich, luxurious body of the sauce. For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be less thick.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty depth. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent alternatives if you want a different cheesy note.
- Lemon Juice: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice! It brightens all the flavors and balances the richness of the cream and sausage.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable. This one-pot bow tie pasta recipe requires only a few standard kitchen items.
- Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Lemon juicer (optional, but handy)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and easy one-pot bow tie pasta dish. This process is designed for beginners and busy cooks alike, ensuring a perfect meal every time.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the mild Italian pork sausage, with the casing removed. Cook, breaking the sausage into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it’s beautifully golden brown and no longer pink. This usually takes about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked sausage to a plate and set it aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot; it adds flavor.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped garlic cloves to the pot with the residual sausage fat. Cook the garlic for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the bow tie pasta, chicken broth, and 2 cups of water into the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in Broccoli and Cook: Add the small broccoli florets to the pot, stirring them into the simmering liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and continue to cook until both the pasta and the broccoli are just tender, about 5 minutes. Stir halfway through this cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Finish the Sauce: Uncover the pot. Stir in the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and the reserved cooked sausage. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until everything is heated through and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh lemon juice. Give it a final stir to combine everything beautifully. Serve the creamy bow tie pasta hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red chili flakes, if you like a little heat.
Pro Tips for the Best Bow Tie Pasta
Mastering these simple tips will elevate your one-pot bow tie pasta recipes from good to absolutely amazing. They ensure perfect texture and balanced flavors every time.
- Achieving Al Dente Pasta Perfection: Keep a close eye on the pasta as it cooks. Al dente means “to the tooth” – tender but with a slight bite. Cooking it too long will result in mushy pasta.
- Preventing Pasta from Sticking: Stir the pasta frequently, especially during the first few minutes of simmering. This prevents the starch from causing the noodles to clump together.
- Balancing Flavors in the Creamy Sauce: Taste your sauce before adding the Parmesan and lemon. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. The lemon juice is crucial for cutting through the richness.
- Maximizing Sausage Crispness: Ensure your sausage is well browned before removing it. This creates a delicious crust and deeper flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- Adjusting Seasoning and Spice Levels: If you like more heat, add extra red chili flakes. For more herbal notes, a touch more oregano or fresh basil at the end works wonders.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile one-pot bow tie pasta dish is wonderful on its own, but these ideas can help you customize it even further for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Cheesy Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty piece of cheesy garlic bread is the ultimate accompaniment for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Serve Alongside a Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a pinch of red chili flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Cool Completely: Allow any leftover pasta to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Transfer the cooled bow tie pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through.
Variations
- Add Cooked Protein: Enhance this bow tie pasta recipe by stirring in pre-cooked shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or even leftover ham towards the end of cooking.
- Incorporate Other Vegetables: Spinach, chopped mushrooms, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious additions. Add tender greens like spinach in the last minute of cooking.
- Swap Italian Sausage: Try turkey sausage for a lighter alternative, or use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a fiery kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage entirely. Instead, add a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas along with the pasta for a hearty plant-based protein boost.
- Different Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheeses like smoked Gouda or fontina for a unique flavor profile in your creamy sauce.
Nutrition Information
This Easy One-Pot Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Broccoli offers a comforting and satisfying meal. Per serving, this dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the sausage, and vitamins from the fresh broccoli. Remember, actual nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise dietary considerations, please refer to the detailed nutrition facts provided by the recipe’s JSON-LD.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Total Carbs | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 26g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes bow tie pasta a great choice for recipes?
Bow tie pasta, or farfalle, is excellent because its unique shape holds creamy sauces and small ingredients well. Its firm texture stands up nicely in hearty dishes like this one-pot recipe.
What are good substitutes for bow tie pasta in this recipe?
You can easily substitute bow tie pasta with other short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or orecchiette. These options will maintain a similar texture and sauce-holding capability in this creamy pasta dish.
Can I freeze this one-pot bow tie pasta dish?
While technically possible, freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes alter the texture of the sauce, making it separate or grainy upon reheating. For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers for a few days.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?
Stirring the pasta frequently during the first few minutes of simmering is key to preventing sticking. Ensure your pot is large enough so the pasta has room to move freely in the liquid.
What does “julienne cut” mean for sun-dried tomatoes?
Julienne cut refers to cutting the sun-dried tomatoes into thin, matchstick-like strips. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dish and release their concentrated flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pot Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage & Broccoli proves that incredible meals don’t require extensive effort or a mountain of dishes. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully convenient dish perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bow tie pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the ease and deliciousness of a truly satisfying home-cooked meal!