Summer Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: PT0S | Total: 55 mins | Serves: 4 serving(s) | Cuisine: Mediterranean Cuisine, Italian Cuisine, European Cuisine
Bright and delicious, our Summer Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake is the perfect way to embrace the season. Imagine tender farfalle pasta, succulent chicken sausage, and vibrant veggies all coming together in one comforting dish. With a rich marinara sauce and a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, this skillet bake not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a burst of color to your dinner table.
As you slice through fresh zucchini and chop sweet red bell pepper, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together. It’s a delightful combination of Mediterranean and Italian flavors, making it a weeknight winner that everyone will love. Plus, the prep time is just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you still want a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this Summer Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Summer Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake
Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by getting our oven ready. Preheat it to 375ºF so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake. While that’s warming up, grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Once it’s boiling, add your bowtie pasta and give it a good stir to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but keep an eye on it and aim for al dente—this usually means cooking it for about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package suggests. When it's just right, you’ll notice it’s firm to the bite but not hard. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Now, pour in your marinara sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated. Set the pot aside while we move on to the next step!
Step 2
To start, grab your large, high-sided, ovenproof skillet and place it on the stove over medium-high heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of oil, allowing it to heat up for a moment until it shimmers. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken sausage to the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 3 minutes, turning it occasionally with a spatula or tongs, until it’s beautifully golden brown on both sides. You’ll love watching that crust develop!
When the sausage is perfectly cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the pot with your pasta. This will keep all those delicious flavors together for the next steps.
Step 3
Now that your chicken sausage is sizzling away, let’s turn our attention to the veggies. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. This will help give your vegetables that lovely, golden color we’re after.
Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the zucchini and bell pepper. Sprinkle in a generous dash of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together to coat the veggies in the oil and seasoning. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are vibrant and crisp-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to take on a beautiful golden hue—such a wonderful sight!
Step 4
To start, heat your skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute, watching closely as it turns fragrant and just begins to take on a golden hue—this is when it’s at its best.
Next, grab a handful of fresh spinach and add it to the skillet. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the spinach gently with the garlic, ensuring it gets coated with that lovely, garlicky goodness. Keep cooking for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down significantly and brightened in color.
Once the spinach is ready, carefully scrape the entire vegetable mixture into the pot with your cooked pasta. Add in your fresh basil, letting its aroma fill the air as you toss everything together until well combined. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the spinach and basil. Set your skillet aside for the next steps; you’ll be using it again soon!
Step 5
Now it’s time to layer our delicious pasta and cheese! Start by spooning half of the pasta mixture back into the reserved skillet. Make sure to spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese generously over this first layer. This will create a gooey, cheesy foundation that you’ll love.
Once that’s done, carefully scrape the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it out so everything is nicely combined. Finally, top it off with the last 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella. This will help create a bubbly, golden crust as it bakes. Now, we’re ready to pop it into the oven!
Step 6
Once your skillet is ready, pop it in the oven and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 14 to 16 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is beautifully melted and the top is a lovely golden brown. After you pull it out, let it cool for about 5 minutes—this will help everything settle a bit and make serving easier. Just before you dig in, sprinkle some fresh basil on top for that burst of color and flavor. Enjoy that delicious creation you’ve made!
Nutrition Information
calories: 864 Calories
fat: 47 g
carbohydrate: 59 g
protein: 44 g
fiber: 7 g
sugar: 17 g
My Tip
To enhance the flavor of your Summer Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake, consider sautéing the zucchini and bell pepper until they’re just starting to caramelize. This step adds a lovely depth to the dish and complements the marinara sauce beautifully.
Leftovers
To store your Summer Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake, transfer leftovers to a glass or ceramic container with a lid to prevent moisture loss. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist and ensure even warming.
Make It Your Own
For a delightful twist, swap the chicken sausage for spicy Italian turkey sausage to keep it lean while adding a bit of heat. You can also toss in some fresh spinach at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
