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Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Spinach Bowtie Pasta

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This creamy Tuscan sausage and spinach bowtie pasta is a quick, comforting dinner packed with savory Italian sausage, silky cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (drained if packed in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and break apart with a wooden spoon. Brown sausage until deeply golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to warm through.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until cheese melts and sauce is glossy.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in reserved pasta water and toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the sausage deeply and use freshly grated Parmesan. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce. You can substitute gluten-free pasta or plant-based cream for dietary needs. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, Tuscan sausage pasta, spinach bowtie pasta, easy dinner, Italian sausage recipe, 30 minute meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-tuscan-sausage-and-spinach-bowtie-pasta-easy-30-minute-dinner-recipe/