Bowties with Italian Sausage in a Cream Basil Sauce

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This pasta recipe is another great example of authentic Italian flavor made the easy way. The combination of tomato and basil is an Italian standard, but the addition of Johnsonville Italian Sausages gives this meal that feel-good feeling that follows every delicious meal.

  • Servings: 4 to 6

Bowties with Italian Sausage in a Cream Basil Sauce

What you need

  • 3cups
    Bowtie pasta
  • 1package
    (19 ounce) JOHNSONVILLE® Sweet Italian Sausage Links, removed from casing* (*Cut sausage link end to end, about three-quarters of the way through. Flip sausage link over, grasp casing and pull off.)
  • 2tablespoons
    olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon
    red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup
    onion, diced
  • 3cloves
    garlic, minced
  • 1-1/2cups
    fresh tomatoes, chopped or 28 ounces plum tomatoes (Italian style, drained and coarsely chopped)
  • 1-1/2cups
    light cream
  • 1/2teaspoon
    salt
  • 1/4cup
    Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2cup
    fresh basil, chopped
  • *garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or shaved Parmesan cheese

Preparation

  • 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • 2
    In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat add decased sausage to skillet and crumble with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
  • 3
    Add red pepper flakes and continue sautéing until sausage is no longer pink.
  • 4
    Add onion and garlic to skillet and continue until onion softens.
  • 5
    Stir in tomatoes and salt, (if using fresh tomatoes, sauté them for 3 minutes until softened) then add light cream and Parmesan cheese; simmer gently until mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
  • 6
    Stir in the cooked pasta and basil, and heat through, about 3 minutes.
  • 7
    If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or shaved Parmesan cheese.

Bowties with Italian Sausage in a Cream Basil Sauce