Simple Marinara Bowtie Pasta with Spicy Chicken Sausage (38 Minutes)

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Here is a quick and delicious meal that combines the comforting taste of bowtie pasta with the bold flavors of spicy chicken sausage and a rich marinara sauce.

The sausage, left in its casing but cut into bite-sized pieces, adds a satisfying and meaty texture to this dish, while the marinara sauce brings a bright, tangy element that ties everything together.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you crave a hearty, flavorful pasta dish.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the pasta:

  • 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 spicy chicken sausages (in casing), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta (10 minutes):
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Cook the sausage (8-10 minutes):
    • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy chicken sausage pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Prepare the marinara sauce (8 minutes):
    • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine the pasta, sausage, and sauce (5 minutes):
    • Add the cooked sausage pieces back to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Stir to coat the sausage in the sauce.
    • Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
    • Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated.
  5. Serve and garnish (2 minutes):
    • Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Serve hot, and enjoy this flavorful and comforting pasta dish!

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. Feel free to customize the dish with extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition.

This pasta dish is a versatile and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious and easy pasta dish with your family and friends!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Pair this with...

Cheesy Broccoli

Start by washing and cutting your broccoli into florets. Using a steamer or a pot with a little water and a steaming basket, steam the broccoli until it's tender but still vibrant green. While the broccoli is steaming, let's whip up that delectable cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, continuously whisking to avoid any lumps. Once the mixture starts to thicken, reduce the heat and stir in a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of mustard or nutmeg if you're feeling fancy. Once it's smooth and velvety, pour the sauce over your freshly steamed broccoli.

Simple Green Salad

Begin by selecting crisp lettuce leaves, giving them a thorough wash and a gentle pat dry. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them as the foundation of your salad. Next, slice ripe tomatoes, their juicy segments promising a burst of sweetness. Add these to the lettuce, their vibrant red contrasting beautifully against the green. For a refreshing crunch, slice a cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, layering them amongst the other ingredients. For dressing, a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the salad's natural flavors without overshadowing them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and any herbs of your choosing.

Homemade Boule Loaf

Grab 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 packet (or 2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast, about 1 ½ cups warm water, and 1 ½ tsp salt. Dissolve that yeast in warm water and let it sit until it's foamy, around 5 minutes. Now, mix in the flour and salt, get your hands dirty, and knead until smooth. Let the dough rise in a cozy spot until it's doubled in size, about an hour. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Shape your dough into a ball and score the top with an "X" or design of your choosing. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool and enjoy the magic of homemade bread.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Garlic Butter Lamb Chops (30 Minutes)

Chicken Patties with Avocado Corn Salsa (35 Minutes)

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