Hi, I’m Laine and I’m so thrilled to be visiting here at Brown Sugar Toast!  I had the privilege of meeting Christa this summer at our local “I Love Thrifting Day” meetup.  Other than being fellow bloggers, (and both expecting!), we quickly realized we had another connection…my mother-in-law is her husband’s secretary!  It’s a small world, isn’t it?

Just a few things about me…

1.  I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart and love of my life for over 9 years…and he also happens to be my pastor!  

2.  We have three amazing kids and #4 is due to arrive any day!

3.  I enjoy blogging about a little bit of everything… yummy food, DIY projects and home decor, and the adventures involved in homeschooling our little people. 

4.  Dark chocolate is ah-mazing.  (Should be included one of the 5 major food groups, don’t you think?)

Today I want to share with you one of our family’s favorite recipes, “Bowties with Sausage and Tomato Cream Sauce.”  But before I do, here’s a quick question…

How many of you get extremely a little nervous about having company over for dinner? {raising hand!} 

During our early years of marriage I was petrified of having company, simply because I had no idea what to feed them!  So many “company-worthy” recipes that I had were time consuming, complicated and required me to be fussing around in the kitchen right up until meal time.  Um, no thank you.  Stressing out about the meal can suck the joy right out of hosting!

Several years ago I developed this recipe and it has been a consistent crowd-pleaser.  This delicious Italian pasta dish is simple, quick, and won’t break your budget.  It is also an awesome crock-pot meal…perfect for Sunday!

Bowties with Sausage and Tomato Cream Sauce

1 package of bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions.

2 tsp. olive oil

1 lb mild Italian Sausage

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 (28oz.) can of diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half and half to save on calories!)

1/2 tsp. salt

1-2 tsp. dried basil (according to taste)

Parmesan cheese (optional)

1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2.  Remove sausage from casing and add to skillet along with onion and garlic.  

3.  When sausage is done and onion is clear, stir in tomatoes, cream, salt and basil.

4.  Simmer until mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes.  

5.  Stir cooked pasta into cream sauce and heat thoroughly.  

6.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Enjoy!

Crock-pot directions:

Prepare sauce through step 3 and then add to crockpot.  Cook on low for  3-4 hours.  Add cooked pasta and allow to heat thoroughly.  

We love this dish paired with garlicky french bread, a fresh green salad and an ice cold glass of sweet tea.  Finish it off with some cheesecake or dark chocolate brownies and you have a dinner to rival Olive Garden!

Now go ahead, invite some friends over, make this pasta and enjoy a no-stress night of entertaining!