Bowties with Sausage and Tomato Cream Sauce

How was your weekend friends? It was a CRAZY weekend here.  (Insane is more like it!)  Hoping this week is a bit calmer!  

So, today I'm reposting a guest post...hope you don't mind!  A few weeks ago I shared this recipe over @ Brown Sugar Toast, and since I've barely touched the computer these last few days, and since it's going to be on our menu this week, I thought I'd share it again.  It's easy and delicious, perfect for these busy days leading up to Christmas!

Here we go....


Today I want to share with you one of our family's favorite recipes, "Bowties with Sausage and Tomato Cream Sauce."  But before I do, here's a quick question...

How many of you get extremely a little nervous about having company over for dinner? {raising hand!} 

During our early years of marriage I was petrified of having company, simply because I had no idea what to feed them!  So many "company-worthy" recipes that I had were time consuming, complicated and required me to be fussing around in the kitchen right up until meal time.  Um, no thank you.  Stressing out about the meal can suck the joy right out of hosting!

Several years ago I developed this recipe and it has been a consistent crowd-pleaser.  This delicious Italian pasta dish is simple, quick, and won't break your budget.  It is also an awesome crock-pot meal...perfect for Sunday!

Bowties with Sausage and Tomato Cream Sauce
1 package of bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions.
2 tsp. olive oil
1 lb mild Italian Sausage
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28oz.) can of diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half and half to save on calories!)
1/2 tsp. salt
1-2 tsp. dried basil (according to taste)
Parmesan cheese (optional)

1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2.  Remove sausage from casing and add to skillet along with onion and garlic.  
3.  When sausage is done and onion is clear, stir in tomatoes, red pepper, cream, salt and basil.
4.  Simmer until mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.  
5.  Stir cooked pasta into cream sauce and heat thoroughly.  
6.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Enjoy!


Crock-pot directions:
Prepare sauce through step 3 and then add to crockpot.  Cook on low for  3-4 hours.  Add cooked pasta and allow to heat thoroughly.  

We love this dish paired with garlicky french bread, a fresh green salad and an ice cold glass of sweet tea.  Finish it off with some cheesecake or dark chocolate brownies and you have a dinner to rival Olive Garden!

Now go ahead, invite some friends over, make this pasta and enjoy a no-stress night of entertaining!


What's your favorite "company" meal?

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