Bow-Tie Pasta Recipe With Sausage, Mushrooms and Zucchini
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
Bow-Tie Pasta with Sausage, Mushrooms, and Zucchini is the ultimate weeknight dinner recipe! With hearty Polish sausage, tender mushrooms, fresh zucchini, and a savory tomato sauce, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings, this pasta is quick to prepare, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite!
This yummy pasta recipe is so delicious and easy to make – you can use it for a weeknight dinner! I often use packaged Polish sausage in quick pasta recipes and stir fries because it is so easy to use. Packaged sausage is already cooked, so all you need to do is chop it and heat it up on a frying pan. Not having to deal with raw meat is so pleasant and is a great time saver!
Why You’ll Love Bow-Tie Pasta With Sausage, Mushrooms, and Zucchini
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast. There’s no need for complicated prep or techniques.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of flavorful sausage, mild zucchini, and hearty pasta is a hit with adults and kids alike. Everyone will come back for seconds!
- Balanced and Filling: Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, this dish is a complete meal in one pot. It’s hearty, satisfying, and keeps you full for hours.
- Customizable: You can easily switch out the sausage for a leaner option or add your favorite vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only a pot and a frying pan to clean, this recipe keeps your kitchen mess to a minimum. It’s simple and stress-free!
In this simple recipe, farfalle (bow-tie) pasta is mixed with cooked sausage, mushrooms, zucchini and tomato sauce. This makes such a hearty and tasty dinner!
Bow-Tie Pasta Recipe With Sausage, Mushrooms and Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 lb bow-tie pasta – The fun shape holds the sauce perfectly, adding texture and heartiness.
- 1 lb packaged Polish sausage – Adds a smoky, savory flavor; pre-cooked for convenience.
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms – Brings an earthy depth to the dish.
- 2 zucchinis, peeled and chopped – Adds a touch of freshness and balances the richness of the sausage.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – Provides a tangy, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Adds aromatic richness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and infuse flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/8 tsp pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances the overall taste.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Bow-Tie Pasta With Sausage, Mushrooms, and Zucchini
- Large Pot – To cook the pasta to perfection.
- Non-Stick Frying Pan – For sautéing the sausage and vegetables without sticking.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – To stir the ingredients evenly and prevent burning.
- Knife – For chopping zucchini and slicing sausage.
- Cutting Board – A safe surface for prepping your veggies and sausage.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients like oil and seasonings.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the mushrooms and zucchini to the frying pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and mix.
- Add the sausage to the mushrooms and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes.
- Add garlic to the sausage mixture and stir for 30 seconds. Add the tomato sauce and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Drain cooked pasta and return to pot. Add the sausage mixture to the pasta and mix until everything is combined.
Enjoy this simple and tasty sausage pasta dish! You can make this recipe even healthier by using low-fat turkey sausage. And since there is no cheese in this recipe, with the lowfat sausage it will be fairly low in calories! Also check out another pasta recipe with sausage and ricotta – really easy and tasty too!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Bow-Tie Pasta with Sausage, Mushrooms, and Zucchini alongside a lettuce tomato salad for a fresh and light complement.
- Pair with a slice of warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
- For a cozy touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Enjoy with a glass of homemade red wine or a refreshing iced green tea to complete the meal.
- Present it family-style in a large serving bowl for an inviting dinner table spread.
Tips For Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce. This texture holds up better and ensures a delightful bite in every forkful.
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: Sautéing the mushrooms and zucchini before adding the sausage brings out their natural flavors and enhances the overall taste of the dish. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a good-quality Polish sausage and tomato sauce for the best flavor. Pre-cooked sausage saves time, but its taste can make a significant difference in the final dish.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper to the vegetables as they cook and taste test before serving. This helps layer the flavors and ensures you don’t over-season.
- Customize the Veggies: If you have extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, toss them in! This dish is versatile and can handle extra ingredients without losing its charm.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the sausage mixture with the pasta, make sure everything is well-mixed so that the sauce evenly coats the bow-tie pasta.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, keep it warm in a covered pot over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Variations And Substitutions
- Swap the Protein: Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage to cater to dietary preferences. For a meatless version, try adding hearty veggies like eggplant or chickpeas as a protein substitute.
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: While bow-tie pasta works beautifully, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are great alternatives and will hold the sauce just as well.
- Experiment with Sauces: Replace the tomato sauce with marinara for a deeper flavor, or use a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer, indulgent twist.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color. These work well with the dish’s flavor profile.
- Boost the Spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage variety to add a kick of heat. This is a great option for spice lovers!
- Make It Cheesy: Top the finished dish with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan and bake it briefly for a cheesy casserole-style pasta.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free bow-tie pasta to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising on flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carb variation.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: Heat the pasta in a non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place a serving of pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Tip for Freshness: If you know you’ll be freezing, slightly undercook the pasta to preserve its texture when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like! Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage will work well. Just keep in mind that uncooked sausage will need additional time to cook through compared to pre-cooked options like Polish sausage.
What’s the best way to ensure the vegetables don’t get mushy?
To prevent mushy vegetables, cook them over medium-high heat and stir occasionally. Avoid overcooking; they should still have a slight bite when you mix them with the pasta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. For the best results, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or tomato sauce to refresh the texture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, lean turkey sausage, and low-sodium tomato sauce. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers is another great way to boost the nutrition content.
Can I omit the garlic?
Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer or substitute it with garlic powder for a milder flavor. However, fresh garlic adds a lot of depth to the dish.
What should I serve with this pasta dish?
This pasta pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light soup or antipasto platter.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Easy Pasta Recipes
One-Pot Cheesy Tex-Mex Taco Pasta Recipe: A bold and creamy taco-inspired pasta dish packed with cheese and savory spices, all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
Quick Chicken Pesto Pasta – 15-Minute Recipe: A fast and flavorful pasta dish with juicy chicken and vibrant pesto sauce, ready in just 15 minutes.
Mexican Fajita Pasta with Spicy Peppers and Cheese: A zesty fusion of fajita flavors and hearty pasta, featuring smoky spices, bell peppers, and melty cheese.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine – Easy Seafood Recipe: A rich and indulgent pasta dish with tender shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.
Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad – Quick and Nutritious Recipe: A light and satisfying pasta salad loaded with tender chicken and fresh veggies, perfect for a healthy meal.
Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Pasta Recipe: A simple yet delicious pasta recipe combining sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese for a fresh, flavorful bite.
Sausage, Ricotta, and Green Bean Rotini Pasta Recipe: A hearty and comforting pasta dish with savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and crisp green beans.
Bow-Tie Pasta Recipe With Sausage, Mushrooms and Zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 lb bow-tie pasta
- 1 lb Polish sausage packaged, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 zucchinis peeled and chopped
- 8 oz tomato sauce 1 can
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Cook the bow-tie pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and chopped zucchini to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the sliced Polish sausage to the pan. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large pot, mix the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute regular sausage with low-fat turkey sausage.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
