RECIPE: Italian Sausage with Bow Ties

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone (rather quickly!), and most of the turkey has been disguised in soup or casserole, it's time for some warm winter dinners.  Soup is delicious, yes, but after a while it's nice to eat something more solid.

If you like sausage, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, Italian Sausage with Bow Ties is perfect for these cold nights.  The crushed red pepper flakes in this dish give it some heat--you choose how much to add.

Besides flavor, this recipe is wonderful because it's super duper quick.  Like 25 minutes quick.  And the great thing is that nobody would suspect it's so easy.  It's just scrumptious!

 

                                For a flavor burst, add some fresh basil.



 Italian Sausage with Bow Ties

 Time: 25 minutes. Serves: 5

Ingredients:

1 package (16 oz.) bow tie pasta

1 lb. bulk Italian sausage

1/2 c. chopped onion

1/2 t. crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste.  Just remember a little goes a long way :D)

2 cans (14.5 oz each) Italian stewed tomatoes, drained and chopped (I put mine in the food processor

            since some people in my family don't love chunks of tomatoes.)

1 1/2 t. garlic (minced)

1 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. dried basil

Shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the sausage, onion, and pepper flakes over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.  Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer.  Drain.

Stir in the tomatoes, cream, salt, and basil.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 6-8 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.  Drain pasta; toss with sausage mixture.  Garnish with cheese.

ENJOY!!!

~Recipe originally published in Simple & Delicious September/October 2007. Also on Taste of Home website.