Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage 

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Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage

The dish you’re describing — spicy farfalle pasta with Italian chicken sausage in a spicy tomato sauce with Parmesan cheese — is a modern Italian-American creation rather than a traditional Italian classic. Here’s a breakdown of its origin:

  1. Farfalle Pasta
  • Origin:Italy, specifically from the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regionsin the north.
  • The name farfallemeans “butterflies” in Italian, referring to its shape. It’s been made since at least the 16th century.
  1. Italian Chicken Sausage
  • Traditional Italian sausage is typically made from pork, but chicken sausageis a modern, healthier twist, likely developed in the U.S. to meet dietary preferences while still capturing Italian flavors (fennel, garlic, herbs).
  1. Spicy Tomato Sauce
  • Tomato sauce is a staple of southern Italian cuisine, especially in Naples and Sicily.
  • Adding heat (via chili flakes or spicy sausage) is more typical in Calabriancuisine, where they love spicy foods.
  1. Parmesan Cheese
  • Comes from Parma, in northern Italy — hence the name Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s often used to finish pasta dishes across Italy and in Italian-American cuisine.

Combined Dish:

  • The combination of spicy sauce, chicken sausage, and farfalle is likely a fusion dish created in Italian-American kitchens or modern restaurants. It’s built on authentic Italian components but adapted to local tastes, health trends, and ingredient availability.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta & Sausage:

  • 12 oz farfalle (bowtie pasta)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 Italian chicken sausages (sliced into rounds)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 cup pasta water 

To Finish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup or more)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil farfalle in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook the Sausage:
    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft (3–4 mins), then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute more.
    • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Add sausage back into the sauce and mix well. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
    • Toss in the cooked farfalle until well coated.
  5. Serve:
    • Plate the pasta and top generously with grated Parmesan.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

 Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it. 

If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good chicken and pasta pages.

Spicy Farfalle Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage