Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz (about 3 cups) bow-tie pasta, uncooked
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links, cut in 1-inch pieces
• Vegetable oil
• 12 oz (about 3-3/4 cups) fresh white mushrooms
• 1 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups prepared marinara sauce

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the skillet or add oil to make 1 tablespoon; heat until hot.
4. Add mushrooms, green pepper, and onion to the skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Add the reserved cooked sausage and marinara sauce to the skillet; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
6. Ladle the sauce over the hot cooked pasta.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Variations of Bow-Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage and Mushrooms:

1. Vegetarian Option: Omit the Italian sausage and replace it with a plant-based sausage or use a combination of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a flavorful vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Creamy Version: Mix in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the marinara sauce to create a creamy and indulgent sauce.
4. Cheese Lover’s Twist: Stir in 1 cup of grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted for a cheesy variation.
5. Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic and herbaceous twist.
6. Mushroom Medley: Use a variety of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a more diverse and earthy flavor.
7. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to add sweetness and depth to the dish.
8. Sausage Swap: Substitute the Italian sausage with other types of sausage like spicy chorizo, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage for a different taste profile.
9. Pasta Variation: Instead of bow-tie pasta, try other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a different texture.
10. Greens Galore: Add some baby spinach or arugula to the sauce for an extra burst of color and nutrients.
11. Grilled Sausage: Instead of cooking the sausage in a skillet, grill the Italian sausages for a smoky and charred flavor before slicing and adding them to the sauce.
12. Citrus Twist: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy and refreshing note.
13. Caramelized Onions: Instead of sautéing the onions, caramelize them in butter for a rich and sweet flavor.
14. Mediterranean Style: Enhance the dish with Mediterranean flavors by adding black olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers to the sauce.
15. Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the pasta for a nutty crunch.
16. Creamy Tomato Sauce: Mix a cup of tomato sauce with a half cup of heavy cream for a creamy tomato sauce.
17. Pesto Kick: Stir in a few tablespoons of homemade or store-bought pesto to the sauce for a delightful herbal taste.
18. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the pasta before serving to add a tangy-sweet twist.