Heat oil in a large Dutch oven pot over medium heat.
Add sliced sausage and cook until browned along the edges.
Remove browned sausage from the pan and set aside.
Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning, about 6-8 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Return browned sausage to the pot.
Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to the pot.
Stir to combine. Increase heat and bring to a simmer.
Add the bowtie pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until pasta is tender and no longer hard, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove lid and stir in shredded cheese.
Stir until cheese is completely melted into the pasta sauce.
Serve with French bread and a crisp green salad to round out the meal.