Sausage Bowties with Artichokes is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that brings together the richness of Italian sausage, the gentle tang of marinated artichokes, and the creaminess of a light sauce. The bowtie pasta holds every bit of flavor, from the seasoned sausage to the herbs and melted cheese. This recipe is hearty enough for a family dinner yet easy to prepare on a busy night. Each bite gives you a balance of savory sausage, tender pasta, and artichoke hearts that add a pleasant Mediterranean twist.
1. Cooking Time: 30 minutes
2. Serving: 4 servings
3. Ingredients:
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12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on taste)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 can (14 oz) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for extra color)
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
4. Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
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Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
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Add artichokes and tomatoes: Add the artichoke hearts and cherry tomatoes (if using). Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Season and add cream: Sprinkle in basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour in the cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well so that every bowtie is coated in the creamy sauce.
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Finish with cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce.
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Serve: Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top. Serve warm.
5. Nutrition (per serving):
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Calories: 560
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Protein: 25g
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Fat: 30g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 5g
6. Tips:
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You can replace heavy cream with light cream or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
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Use spicy sausage if you enjoy a little heat or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
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For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before pouring in the cream.
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If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a bit of pasta water.
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Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
