We’ve always been captivated by the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe a hearty Italian-American favorite from Johnny Carino’s restaurant. This dish stars fun bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with sausage making it a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s easy to love.
As food lovers we’re excited to bring this classic into your kitchen. It’s packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients that promise a satisfying meal every time.
Ingredients
As we dive into the heart of our Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that make this Italian-American favorite so irresistible. We’ll list them in the order they’re typically used during preparation, with prep specifics noted for accuracy and ease.
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): 1 pound (454 grams) dried and cooked al dente according to package instructions for the perfect texture.
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (454 grams) ground or links, removed from casings if using links, and browned for flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced freshly chopped for a robust aroma that infuses the dish.
- Onion: 1 medium, diced finely chopped to build a savory base for the sauce.
- Bell Peppers: 2 medium (one red and one green), sliced seeded and cut into strips for added crunch and color.
- Mushrooms: 8 ounces (227 grams), sliced fresh and sautéed to enhance the earthy notes.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces or 794 grams) for a rich, tangy foundation of the creamy tomato sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) added to create the signature creamy consistency.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated for topping and mixing in for a nutty finish.
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped torn or cut just before use to preserve its vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin, for sautéing and enhancing overall taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste season as you go to balance the flavors perfectly.
These ingredients come together to deliver the comforting, flavorful appeal of our Bowtie Festival Recipe, ensuring a meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with authentic Italian-American charm.
Required Tools
To prepare our Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe with ease and precision, we gather the essential tools that streamline the cooking process. These items ensure everything from chopping vegetables to simmering the creamy tomato sauce goes smoothly, allowing us to focus on creating that authentic Italian-American flavor.
Here’s a list of the key tools we recommend:
- Large Pot: For boiling the bowtie pasta to al dente perfection; choose one with a capacity of at least 8 quarts to handle the pasta without overflow.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Ideal for browning the Italian sausage and sautéing garlic, onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms; a 12-inch non-stick version works best for even heat distribution.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for finely chopping ingredients like garlic and onion; we opt for a sharp, 8-inch blade to make prep work quick and safe.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy wooden or plastic board at least 12×12 inches provides a stable surface for all our chopping tasks.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for seasonings and liquids—use a set that includes 1-cup, ½-cup, and various spoon sizes to portion out olive oil, crushed tomatoes, and heavy cream precisely.
- Colander: Perfect for draining the cooked bowtie pasta; ensure it has fine mesh to prevent small pieces from slipping through.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce as it simmers, helping blend the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese without scratching our cookware.
- Grater: Specifically for grating fresh Parmesan cheese; a box grater with medium holes adds that irresistible texture to the dish.
By having these tools on hand, we guarantee a seamless experience that highlights the comforting aromas and rich tastes of this classic recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our flavorful Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe. We’ll ensure each stage delivers the rich, comforting aromas and tastes of this Italian-American favorite.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, proper preparation sets the foundation for a seamless experience. Begin by chopping 1 medium onion and 2 bell peppers into ½-inch pieces to release their vibrant, sweet flavors. Next, slice 8 ounces of mushrooms thinly for a meaty texture that absorbs the sauce beautifully. Mince 4 garlic cloves finely to infuse a pungent, aromatic punch into the dish. Remove casings from 1 pound of Italian sausage and break it into 1-inch pieces for even browning. Measure out 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves, tearing the basil gently to preserve its fresh, herbaceous essence. Finally, have 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper ready to enhance the overall savory profile.
Cooking
With our ingredients prepped, we move to the cooking phase where the magic happens. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add 12 ounces of bowtie pasta, cooking it for 8-10 minutes until al dente for that perfect chewy texture. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until browned and releasing its savory juices that fill the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a glossy, caramelized sheen. Pour in the 2 cups of crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes to build a robust base, then stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and season with 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, cooking for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy, velvety blend that coats the back of a spoon.
Assembly
To bring everything together, drain the cooked bowtie pasta using a colander and immediately toss it into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor absorption. Sprinkle in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of torn fresh basil, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy finish that highlights the dish’s comforting warmth. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with extra basil if desired, to enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and the bold, savory notes that make our Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe a standout meal.
Make-Ahead Tips
As we dive into making our Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe even more convenient, let’s explore practical strategies to prepare components in advance. This approach allows us to savor the creamy tomato sauce and flavorful sausage without last-minute rushes, ensuring every bite remains as comforting and delicious as if freshly made.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping key ingredients the day before to streamline your cooking process. Start by chopping the onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps their fresh crunch and aroma intact, ready to enhance the sauce’s vibrant flavors. For the Italian sausage, brown it fully in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and let it cool before refrigerating in a sealed bag. These steps help us maintain the dish’s authentic Italian-American charm while saving valuable time.
Making the Sauce in Advance
Our creamy tomato sauce is perfect for make-ahead preparation, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Cook the sauce by sautéing the prepped vegetables and sausage, then adding crushed tomatoes and heavy cream as outlined in the previous sections. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to preserve its silky texture and rich, herbaceous notes from the fresh basil.
Storing and Reheating the Full Dish
If we assemble the entire Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe ahead, combine the cooked bowtie pasta with the sauce right after preparation, then cool it quickly to avoid sogginess. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month. Reheating tips: Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight, then warm in a skillet with a splash of water or cream to restore the pasta’s al dente bite and the sauce’s velvety consistency. This method ensures the dish retains its comforting aromas and hearty appeal, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
| Storage Method | Refrigerator (Days) | Freezer (Months) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped Ingredients | Up to 2 | Not recommended | Preserves freshness and reduces prep time |
| Sauce Only | Up to 3 | Up to 2 | Enhances flavor development and ease of use |
| Full Assembled Dish | Up to 2 | Up to 1 | Convenient for meal planning with minimal quality loss |
Conclusion
We’ve explored the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe and it’s clear this dish delivers comfort and flavor with ease. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a simple way to create lasting memories around the table.
Try it soon and you’ll see why it’s a staple in our kitchen. We’re confident it’ll become one of yours too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe?
The Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe is a popular Italian-American dish from Johnny Carino’s restaurant, featuring bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce with sausage. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare at home, combining simple ingredients like garlic, onions, and fresh herbs for an authentic taste.
What are the key ingredients for the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe?
The main ingredients include bowtie pasta, Italian sausage, garlic, onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, and seasonings. These elements create a rich, balanced flavor profile that’s simple yet delicious for everyday cooking.
What tools are needed to make the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe?
Essential tools include a large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for sautéing sausage and veggies, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a colander for draining, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. These basics help streamline the process for a smooth cooking experience.
How do I prepare the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe?
Start by chopping and measuring ingredients, then boil the bowtie pasta. Sauté sausage and vegetables in a skillet, add crushed tomatoes and heavy cream to make the sauce, and combine everything. Garnish with Parmesan and basil. The whole process takes about 30-40 minutes and serves as a hearty meal for 4-6 people.
Can I make the Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic a day in advance and store in airtight containers. Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate or freeze it for up to 3 days or a month. Fully assembled dishes can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen; reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.