Farfalle with Sausage, Spinach, and Creamy Tomato Sauce

This vibrant farfalle pasta with sausage and spinach is weeknight perfection! Savory sausage, creamy tomato sauce – a comforting twist on Cheesecake Factory Pasta. Get the easy recipe!

Alright, let's dive into this Farfalle Pasta recipe. Ever find yourself craving something comforting, yet kinda fancy? Something that hits all the right notes? Then keep on reading!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Oh my gosh, have i got a dish for you! this farfalle pasta , with its sausage, spinach, and creamy tomato sauce, is seriously chef's kiss .

It's savory, a little bit sweet, and totally comforting.

Brief Overview

This recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, originating from the classic italian comfort food tradition. it's an easy recipe.

It'll be ready in about 40 minutes. this recipe yields four servings.

Main Benefits

Besides being super yummy, this pasta food is packed with iron from the spinach and protein from the sausage. it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how simple it is. it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen!

What You'll Need for This Farfalle Fiesta

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. we need one pound of farfalle pasta – those cute little bowties. don’t forget the salt.

About a tablespoon should do the trick. a key thing to remember is to only cook the farfalle recipes or farfalle pasta recipes until it is al dente.

Now for the sauce: grab some olive oil, a pound of italian sausage, and a medium yellow onion. we also want two cloves of garlic, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and a big can of crushed tomatoes.

Oh, and don't forget the creamy goodness, half a cup of heavy cream! we also need spinach, so grab about 5 ounces of that.

Also, a quarter cup of grated parmesan cheese will do the trick, plus extra for serving. don't forget to add the salt and pepper to taste.

Making Magic: Step-by-Step

First, cook your farfalle pasta . in a large pot of salted boiling water, throw in your farfalle pasta . cook it till it's al dente and make sure to reserve about a cup of that pasta water before you drain.

While the pasta’s doing its thing, heat up that olive oil in a large skillet. crumble in your italian sausage, casings removed, and cook until it's all browned and beautiful.

Then, set it aside. toss in your chopped onion and cook it until its soft. add the minced garlic and those red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.

Finally, you want to pour in that can of crushed tomatoes and let it simmer for about ten minutes.

Next, stir in the heavy cream and spinach. cook until the spinach wilts. return the sausage to the skillet, and then toss in the cooked farfalle pasta .

Add that reserved pasta water if needed to reach the perfect sauce consistency. stir in the parmesan cheese, and season to perfection with salt and pepper.

Finally, serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan.

Turning Pork Leftovers into Pasta Perfection

Okay, let's get real. sometimes, you've got leftover smoked pork or some pork bbq sauce hanging out in the fridge.

Guess what? this recipe is begging for it. instead of sausage, try using pork pulled and tossing it in at the end.

The smoky flavor with the creamy tomato sauce? oh my gosh! honestly, it's a game-changer, especially if you’re into that sweet and savory thing.

Think of it as a pizza sandwich , but in pasta food form!

Cheesecake Factory Pasta Copycat

Speaking of amazing combinations, have you ever had that cheesecake factory pasta ? this recipe is kinda similar, in the best way possible.

It is a little different of cheesecake factory recipes , but you get all the comforting feelings, without the long wait times.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this killer farfalle pasta dish. honestly, getting the right ingredients is half the battle.

I remember one time i tried to make a similar pasta and totally botched it because i used old, bland sausage.

Lesson learned.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients for Farfalle Pasta Perfection

Okay, here's what you gotta have. No skimping, people! This ain't no cake pizza situation, we're going for quality.

• 1 pound (454g) farfalle pasta . Look for pasta that's got a slightly rough texture. It holds the sauce better.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil . Extra virgin is the way to go, trust me.
• 1 pound (454g) Italian sausage , casings removed. Go for a high-quality sausage. This is really critical!
• 1 medium yellow onion , finely chopped (approx. 1 cup).
• 2 cloves garlic , minced (approx. 2 teaspoons).
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes , or more if you're feeling spicy.
• 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes .
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream . Don't try to skimp here, the richness is key.
• 5 ounces (142g) fresh spinach , roughly chopped. Make sure it's fresh and vibrant!
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese , plus more for serving. Freshly grated makes a world of difference.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste.

Seasoning Notes

Essential spice combinations? garlic and red pepper flakes. bam! flavor enhancers? parmesan, all the way. you know, sometimes i just add a pinch more than the recipe calls for.

Don't tell anyone. if you're out of red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne will do the trick.

Let's talk about pork bbq sauce , or even leftover smoked pork . if you have some lying around, why not toss in a bit? it will make the flavor bolder, and a lot like cheesecake factory pasta .

Oh, and BLT Pasta Salad is a totally different beast, but I might try to combine it in the future.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, folks. No need for fancy gadgets. I bet that's how the Cheesecake Factory Recipes were created too.

• Large pot. Gotta cook that pasta.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For the sauce, baby.
• Colander. For draining. Obviously.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. To stir things up.

Honestly, that's it. No fancy-pants stuff here. Just good, honest equipment for some killer farfalle recipes . Now let's get cooking.

Okay, let's dive into making this farfalle pasta dish. honestly, this recipe is a winner. it's so good. think cheesecake factory pasta vibes but homemade.

I mean, who doesn't love a cheesecake factory recipe?

Cooking Method: Farfalle with Sausage & Spinach

This recipe is all about building flavor, step by step. And the farfalle pasta itself? It's just so darn cute.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First, mise en place . that's fancy for "get your stuff together." chop one medium yellow onion. mince two cloves of garlic.

Roughly chop five ounces of spinach. remove the sausage casings. grate 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. this makes cooking a breeze.

Time-Saving Tip: Chop the veggies while the water boils. Boom. Efficiency.

Safety Reminder: Watch those fingers when chopping!

Step-by-Step Process: Bowties & Deliciousness

Here's how we bring this pasta food dream to life:

1. Cook one pound of farfalle pasta . Salt the water! Cook al dente according to the package. Reserve one cup of pasta water. This is crucial.
2. Brown one pound of Italian sausage. Remove the casings first. Use a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics. Add onion to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes . Then, add garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the sauce. Pour in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes . This thickens the sauce.
5. Cream and spinach time. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and five ounces of spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2- 3 minutes .
6. Combine and serve. Return the sausage. Add the cooked pasta. Toss. Add pasta water for consistency. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with more Parmesan.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Pasta Game

• Don't skip reserving pasta water . Trust me.
• Avoid overcooking the farfalle . Al dente is key. You know? No one likes mushy pasta.
• Make-Ahead Option: The sauce can be made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. Reheat before adding pasta. Think of this as a great leftover. This also works as a summer pasta salad.

Honestly, i've made so many variations of this over the years. sometimes i'll throw in some pork pulled if i have leftover smoked pork .

Or maybe even some pork bbq sauce depending on the day. you could even use pork slow cooker!

And hey, if you're feeling crazy, you could even try this with a cake pizza or pizza sandwich (don't ask).

Speaking of sides, these make amazing pasta sides . this also makes for a fantastic blt pasta salad or blt pasta salads if you let it chill, and it will taste amazing with blt pasta.

This dish is seriously versatile.

Alright, let's talk about how to take this farfalle pasta with sausage, spinach, and creamy tomato sauce to the next level! honestly, the recipe itself is pretty darn amazing, but a few tweaks and tips can really make it sing.

And hey, we've all had those cooking mishaps, right? so, i'm sharing what i've learned.

Recipe Notes: Pro Tips & Tricks

Here's the lowdown on everything else you need to know about this dish. Think of it as your personal cooking cheat sheet.

Serving Suggestions: Plate it Pretty!

Presentation matters, you know? for this farfalle pasta masterpiece, don't just dump it in a bowl. twirl it nicely. sprinkle extra parmesan.

A sprig of fresh basil adds a pop of color. serve it with garlic bread – because, carbs. a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce.

And to drink? a chilled pinot grigio or a light chianti. it's just elevated comfort food! you could also try pairing it with pasta sides , or even as a pizza sandwich with garlic bread as the "bread".

Storage Tips: Leftovers are Your Friend!

This stuff is even better the next day. refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. to reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry. you can freeze it, but the farfalle pasta might get a bit softer.

If you are using leftover smoked pork in this recipe, ensure it is properly reheated before serving.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Feeling creative? go wild! want a lighter version? use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. for a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and add mushrooms or bell peppers.

Craving spice? up the red pepper flakes. if you happen to have pork bbq sauce lying around you could even try it as a pork-inspired version.

Another great variation is a blt pasta salad recipe , transforming the classic sandwich into a pasta delight.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Okay, let's be real. this isn't exactly health food, but it's not terrible either. we are talking about approximately 650 calories per serving, 35g of protein, 35g of fat, 50g of carbs.

It's got protein from the sausage, vitamins from the spinach. enjoy it in moderation. one of the nice benefits of this pasta food is that the cream helps with the absorption of the spinach!

So there you have it! this farfalle pasta recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but special enough to impress your friends.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless. it even has the potential to outshine the cheesecake factory pasta , cheesecake factory recipes , or even cake pizza .

Get in the kitchen and get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My farfalle pasta is sticking together. What did I do wrong?

Fear not, even Mary Berry has off days! Sticking usually happens when the pasta isn't cooked in enough water or isn't stirred enough during cooking. Make sure you're using a large pot with plenty of salted, boiling water, and give it a good stir right after adding the farfalle. Also, rinsing the pasta after draining isn't usually needed for this recipe, but it can help prevent sticking if you're not adding it to the sauce immediately.

Can I make this Farfalle with Sausage, Spinach, and Creamy Tomato Sauce ahead of time?

You can absolutely prep parts of it in advance. Cook the sausage and make the sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, cook the farfalle pasta, then combine everything and heat through. Keep in mind that pasta tends to soak up sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it up when reheating, a bit like reviving leftovers on Masterchef!

I don’t have heavy cream. What's a good substitute for the creamy tomato sauce in this farfalle pasta recipe?

No cream, no problem! You've got a few options, depending on what you have on hand. Half-and-half will work in a pinch, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Crème fraîche will give a lovely tangy flavour to the sauce. As a more healthy option, you can use a smaller amount of cream cheese or even blend a bit of ricotta cheese with milk for a similar effect. Just remember, keep calm and carry on cooking!

How can I make this sausage and spinach farfalle recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten this dish up without sacrificing flavor. Use lean chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage. Reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, like in the previous tip. Adding more spinach or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini is a great way to bulk up the dish with extra nutrients and fiber. And remember portion control! Even the Queen wouldn't overdo it.

What's the best way to store leftover farfalle pasta with creamy tomato sauce?

Store any leftover farfalle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. It's not ideal to freeze pasta dishes with cream-based sauces, as the sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Can I use a different type of sausage in this farfalle pasta dish?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage will give it a kick, while chorizo adds a smoky depth. Chicken or turkey sausage are excellent, healthier options. Even vegetarian sausage crumbles can work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the type of sausage you're using. Think of it as putting your own signature spin on things – a bit like adding your own flair to a classic Bond cocktail!

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