Italian Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta brings together classic Italian flavors with everyday ingredients. It’s rich without being heavy, vibrant without being complicated, and completely comforting. The bell peppers add sweetness and color, while the sausage gives the dish depth and heartiness. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet—making cleanup easy too.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions

1. I start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and set it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Once done, I remove the sausage and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I sauté the diced onion and both bell peppers until soft—about 5 minutes. Then I add the garlic and cook for another minute until it smells fragrant.

4. I stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano. I bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. I return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let everything simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors can meld together. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.

6. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently until the pasta is coated and everything is well combined.

7. I serve the pasta hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use spicy Italian sausage when I want a bit of heat.

• For a creamier version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.

• I’ve also made this with penne or rotini when I don’t have bow ties on hand.

• If I want to lighten it up, I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork.

• I occasionally toss in spinach or kale right before serving for extra greens.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. The microwave works too, especially for individual portions.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it earlier in the day and reheat before serving. The flavors actually deepen over time.

What type of sausage should I use?

I prefer using mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on who I’m serving. Both links and bulk sausage work—just remove casings if needed.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely. I’ve swapped in fresh basil and oregano when I have them—just use about 3 times the amount of dried.

What can I serve with this dish?

I usually serve it with a green salad and some garlic bread, but it also works great as a standalone meal.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version that still feels hearty.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Pasta is one of those comforting, flavor-packed meals that I never get tired of making. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve to guests. With bold flavors, vibrant veggies, and that perfect touch of Parmesan on top, it’s always a hit at my dinner table.