Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a versatile and fun-shaped pasta that can be used in various recipes. Its unique shape is perfect for holding onto sauces, making it an excellent choice for both light and hearty dishes. Here are some creative and delicious bow tie pasta recipes that you can try for your next meal.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta
This rich and creamy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and cream creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the bow tie pasta.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad is loaded with Mediterranean flavors, making it a great side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Spicy Sausage and Spinach Bow Tie Pasta
This hearty dish combines spicy sausage with fresh spinach and a tangy tomato sauce, making it a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Pesto Chicken Bow Tie Pasta
This light and flavorful pasta dish combines tender chicken with a fresh basil pesto sauce for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup prepared pesto sauce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the pesto sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken.
Add the cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes to the skillet and toss
to combine.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Bow Tie Pasta
This vegetarian dish is creamy, comforting, and full of earthy mushroom flavors. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bow tie pasta is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes ranging from creamy, indulgent options to light and refreshing salads. These recipes offer a mix of flavors and ingredients that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, bow tie pasta is a great choice.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bow Tie Pasta
This light and zesty pasta dish is perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of lemon, garlic, and shrimp creates a fresh and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with bow tie pasta.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the butter until melted, then add the shrimp back into the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Broccoli and Cheese Bow Tie Pasta Bake
This comforting pasta bake is loaded with cheesy goodness and packed with broccoli for a nutritious twist. It’s a great make-ahead meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and broccoli.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Tomato Basil Bow Tie Pasta
A simple yet flavorful dish, this tomato basil pasta highlights the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s a perfect meal for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to break down.
Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the tomato sauce.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Butternut Squash and Sage Bow Tie Pasta
This cozy and flavorful dish combines roasted butternut squash with the earthy flavor of sage. It’s a comforting option for fall and winter meals.
Ingredients:
8 oz bow tie pasta
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup butter
8 fresh sage leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is browned and the sage is crispy.
Add the roasted butternut squash and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sage butter.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Final Tips for Perfect Bow Tie Pasta Dishes
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Always cook the pasta to al dente, so it holds its shape and texture when mixed with sauces and other ingredients.
Experiment with Sauces: Bow tie pasta pairs well with various sauces, from creamy Alfredo and pesto to light olive oil-based sauces.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme can elevate the flavor of your pasta dishes.
Mix in Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini.
With these recipes, you can explore the endless possibilities of bow tie pasta. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and indulgent or light and fresh, there’s a bow tie pasta recipe to suit every taste and occasion.
