Our family LOVES a good pasta dish, especially when it includes sausage. That’s why we can’t get enough of this tasty Italian sausage pasta!
It is a favorite and is on our rotation of easy dinner ideas. Plus, it’s on the table in only 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
We usually make pasta or a similar Italian dish on Tuesdays each week, and this one is never missed. The whole family LOVES it! Italian sausage adds the perfect flavor to any pasta dish or soup, such as our Tortellini Soup or Sausage Soup.
For more sausage pastas, try our Chicken Sausage Pasta and Sausage Penne Pasta.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- It’s on the table in a flash. It only takes about 20 minutes to throw everything together. A quick prep time is perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple ingredients and easy steps. There are just a few ingredients and some simple steps, making this a favorite, quick dinner!
- We never have leftovers. This is a hit with both kids and adults alike – it’s packed with flavor!
Italian Sausage Pasta Ingredients
- Bow tie pasta (16-ounce package) – Use a pasta with a sturdy shape that holds creamy sauce and sausage in every bite; or use penne pasta.
- Mild Italian sausage (1 pound) – Brings savory spices and richness, the main flavor driver. You can also use spicy pork sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage. You can even exchange the sausage for ground beef or ground chicken.
- Chopped onion (½ cup, optional)- Adds sweetness and body to the sauce while it softens with the sausage.
- Minced garlic (1½ teaspoons)- Flavors the skillet and deepens the Italian flavor. You can use minced garlic or mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional)- Optional heat that wakes up the cream and tomatoes.
- Italian stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped (2 cans, 14.5-ounce each)- Provide herby tomato flavor and the right saucy texture. Regular stewed tomatoes work too, but we usually add Italian seasoning.
- Heavy cream (1½ cups)- Melts into the tomatoes for a silky, creamy finish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon)- Balances the dairy and brightens the tomatoes and sausage
- Dried basil (¼ teaspoon)- A gentle herbal note that ties the sauce together.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, divided (1 cup)- Some melts into and flavors the sauce, the rest finishes the dish on top. Substitute the Parmesan with mozzarella, or a blend of provolone, fontina, Romano, and asiago.
How to Make Italian Sausage Pasta
PASTA. Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot. Drain and set aside.
SAUSAGE. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, onion, garlic, and pepper flakes, stirring, for 4–5 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
SAUCE. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, basil, and ½ cup Parmesan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes or until thickened.
SERVE. Add pasta to the sausage mixture and toss. Garnish with the remaining ½ cup Parmesan and fresh parsley (if desired) before serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- We love this sauce mixed with pasta, but it can also be served over a bed of White Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Baked Potatoes.
- Add sauteed veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to this easy pasta recipe.
- Swap out the mild Italian sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy sausage.
- We love to make a double batch, so we have one to eat now and one to freeze for later.
Italian Sausage Pasta Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package bow tie pasta
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- ½ cup chopped onion, optional
- 1½ teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans Italian stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, onion, garlic, and pepper flakes, stirring, for 4–5 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, basil, and ½ cup Parmesan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes or until thickened.
- Add pasta to sausage mixture and toss.
- Garnish with remaining ½ cup Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- We love this sauce mixed with pasta, but it can also be served over a bed of White Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Baked Potatoes.
- Add sauteed veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to this easy pasta recipe.
- Swap out the mild Italian sausage for chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy sausage.
- We love to make a double batch, so we have one to eat now and one to freeze for later.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly. Add a small amount of cream as needed to revitalize the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second increments until warm throughout.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Fried Zucchini
25 mins
Garlic Knot Recipe
20 mins
Antipasto Salad
15 mins
Olive Garden Breadsticks
2 hrs 27 mins
Desserts
Panna Cotta Recipe
4 hrs 10 mins
Almond Cookie Recipe
23 mins
Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
1 hr 20 mins
Chocolate Lava Cake
23 mins
More Pasta
Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
35 mins
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
25 mins
Pasta Carbonara
25 mins
Chicken Penne Pasta
30 mins
Collections
This recipe was originally published February 2014.
I made this last nigHt and it was SO good! My whole fam loved it!
This looked so delicious, i almost doubled the recipe, for leftovers. ThaNk good ess i didnt. This made so much, and was so delicious. I put it into our “definitely make again” dinner rotation.
Oh, I am so glad! Thank you for giving it a try!
Absolute hit, we all loved it! Ans soooo easy
Yay!! Love to hear that 🙂 Thank you so much for letting me know!
Kristyn, my husband and i had the italian sasusage pasta and it was awesome! My husband really did like he had three helpings. Thank you so for a great meal that was easy to make after a long day at work.
Cindy
You are so welcome!! I am so glad he liked it!! That makes me happy 🙂 Thank you so much!
This recipe was AMAZING, I’ll definitely be adding it to my book of recipes. My only issue is…it wasn’t enough (Family of 5)!! LOL, I will for sure be doubling the recipe next time.
Glad your family loved it! At least, you know for next time 🙂
very tasty! Next time I will use the italian blend of DICED tomatoes… the stewed tomatoes were just too big and chunky for my liking
That would totally work 🙂 I am glad you liked it!
Instead of bowtie pasta i used tri-coloured rotini. It tasted great used spicy italian sasuage for extra heat and kept them whole and cut them in circles. Can’t wait to make this again.
Sounds great!! Thanks for sharing & thanks for trying it!
I made this today but used Italian sausage links grilled then added to skillet with the other ingredients for that step. I also didn’t have grated Parmesan so used grated mozzarella instead. It turned out great… restaurant quality. I may try with ground Italian sausage next time but I do like the slices of sausage with the bow tie pasta.
I am glad you liked it 🙂 Thanks for sharing your changes. They sound perfect!
Could I use milk instead of heavy whipping cream to lower the fat content?
I haven’t tried, I know the heavy whipping cream thickens it & makes it more creamy. You could try a light version? I’m not quite sure if milk will do that.
One of my new favorite dinner dishes! It was easy and delicious. I have plenty to pack for my lunch tomorrow.
It’s great as leftovers! Thanks!