One-Pot Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli

Introduction

Few dishes are as universally loved—or as quick to make—as a hearty pasta dinner. This easy one-pot bow tie pasta recipe brings together tender farfalle (bow tie) pasta, savory Italian sausage, crisp broccoli, and rich Parmesan cheese, all cooked together for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a satisfying family meal on a busy night, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, cutting down on dishes and prep time.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Versatile: Swap out sausage or broccoli for your favorite proteins and veggies.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—sure to please kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish, with notes on possible substitutions:

How This Recipe Came to Be

This recipe was developed in The Pioneer Woman test kitchen by Erin Merhar, Food Director and professional chef. Erin’s approach focuses on easy-to-follow steps, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup—hallmarks of The Pioneer Woman’s practical, family-friendly style. The combination of sausage, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a balance of savory, fresh, and slightly sweet notes, while Parmesan and cream lend richness without overwhelming the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sausage (casings removed), breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Brown until crisp and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, add chopped garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the bow tie pasta, chicken broth, 2 cups of water, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
4. Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the pot and let cook until the pasta and broccoli are just tender, about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
5. Finish the Dish: Uncover, add sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and the reserved sausage. Cook just until heated through, about 1 minute.
6. Cheese and Lemon: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Dish up with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for those who like heat.

Recipe Variations

• Protein Swap: Replace Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
• Vegetable Twist: Substitute broccoli with asparagus, snap peas, or zucchini for a different veggie profile.
• Cheese Choices: Use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a unique flavor.
• Heat Level: Opt for hot Italian sausage or add extra red chili flakes for a spicier kick.

Tips for Success

• Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice—it balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
• If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

What to Serve With

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine or iced tea rounds out the meal nicely.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, but you can prep components (cook sausage, chop veggies) ahead for faster assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While bow tie pasta (farfalle) adds fun texture, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or shells—any short pasta will work well.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, for heartiness.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?

Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.

Q: Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Consider adding spinach, artichoke hearts, olives, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q: How do I prevent my pasta from getting mushy?

Cook just until al dente (with a slight bite), and avoid overcooking after adding the cream. Start checking pasta a minute or two before the package suggests.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates (pasta), protein (sausage), fiber (broccoli), and healthy fats (cheese, cream). While indulgent, you can lighten it by reducing cheese and cream or using a leaner protein. The inclusion of fresh vegetables bumps up the vitamin and mineral content, making it a wholesome option for a family dinner.

Final Thoughts

This one-pot bow tie pasta with sausage and broccoli is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart technique. By layering flavors in a single pot and finishing with a bright splash of lemon, this dish is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Experiment with the variations, and enjoy how easy it is to cook, serve, and clean up—with plenty of flavor to go around.