Creamy Bow Ties with Sausage and Peppers

By Coppermouse

Ingredients

• /4 pound bow tie pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 colorful bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• One 8-ounce block cream cheese
• 1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Preparation

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with the back of a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate.

Add the bell peppers to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the cream cheese and the reserved cooking liquid and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese begins to melt, about 1 minute.

Return the sausage to the skillet and heat through. Transfer the sauce to a large bowl, add the pasta, Romano cheese and basil, and toss to coat well.