Bow Tie Pasta Recipes

Bow tie pasta—also known as farfalle, which means “butterfly” in Italian—has a playful shape and is incredibly versatile. Bow tie pasta recipes are celebrated for their texture and visual appeal, making them perfect for both light salads and hearty dishes. Whether paired with rich tomato sauces, creamy Alfredo, or fresh pesto, the pasta’s unique shape holds sauces and ingredients well, creating a delightful eating experience. What’s special about bow tie pasta is that its ridges and edges make every bite more enjoyable, ensuring the flavor and sauce are distributed evenly.

Bow Tie Pasta

Bow tie pasta, or farfalle, is a beloved pasta variety due to its fun shape, versatility, and ability to hold onto sauces and ingredients. From quick weeknight meals to sophisticated dinners, bow tie pasta works beautifully in various recipes. It is commonly paired with fresh vegetables, rich creamy sauces, and a variety of proteins like chicken or shrimp. This dish can be customized for vegetarians or even made gluten-free with alternative pasta options.

In this blog post, we will explore a basic **Creamy Pesto Bow Tie Pasta** recipe that highlights the pasta’s ability to elevate any meal. The pesto sauce adds a vibrant color and a burst of flavor, making this a family favorite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large pan for cooking the sauce
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
• Tongs (optional, for tossing the pasta)

Ingredients

  

• For the Bow Tie Pasta:
• - 12 oz 340g bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• - 1 tbsp olive oil
• - Salt for the pasta water
• For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
• - 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto basil pesto works best
• - 1 cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream
• - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional for a vegan version
• - 1 tbsp butter or plant-based butter for vegan option
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Add-ins:
• - 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• - 1/2 cup baby spinach for extra greens
• - 1/2 cup cooked chicken shrimp, or tofu for added protein
• - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is **al dente** (firm to the bite).
• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
• In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently to combine it with the butter and garlic.
• Allow the cream to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly to thicken. Be careful not to boil the cream.
• Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese (if using), mixing well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
• Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
• Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the pan with the pesto sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it is evenly coated with the creamy pesto mixture.
• If you're adding optional ingredients like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach, fold them in at this stage and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
• Step 4: Serve and Garnish
• Once the pasta is fully coated and heated, remove the pan from the heat.
• Transfer the bow tie pasta to serving bowls or a large serving platter. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of fresh basil if desired.

Notes

1. Best Pasta for Holding Sauce:
Bow tie pasta is perfect for creamy or chunky sauces. Its unique ridged and pinched shape allows it to grab onto the sauce, delivering maximum flavor in every bite. In this recipe, the pasta beautifully cradles the creamy pesto, ensuring that the taste of basil, garlic, and Parmesan is present throughout the dish.

2. Customizable and Versatile:
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. For those who want to add protein, chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent options. It’s also simple to make this dish vegetarian or vegan by substituting the dairy products with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

3. Gluten-Free Option:
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the bow tie pasta with a gluten-free variety. Many stores offer gluten-free farfalle made from rice, quinoa, or corn, which work well with the sauce.

4. Pesto Variations:
While traditional basil pesto is a classic choice, this recipe also works well with other types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto. Each pesto will offer a different flavor profile, allowing you to experiment and personalize the dish to your liking.

5. Make-Ahead Meal:
Bow tie pasta dishes can easily be made ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prepping. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, simply toss the pasta and sauce together and reheat over the stove or in the microwave.

6. Light or Heavy Meal:
Depending on how you prepare this dish, it can either be a light, refreshing meal with just pesto and vegetables or a heartier meal with the addition of cream, protein, and cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter version, skip the heavy cream and stick to olive oil and pesto for a simple yet satisfying meal.

7. Serving Suggestions:
Creamy pesto bow tie pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal. It can also be served alongside grilled vegetables or roasted chicken for a more substantial dinner. This dish is also great as a side at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties.

Keyword bow tie pasta recipes, creamy pasta, family dinners, farfalle, Italian pasta dishes, pesto pasta, quick pasta meals

Bow tie pasta recipes, like this creamy pesto variation, bring both flavor and fun to the table. The playful shape of farfalle, combined with the richness of the pesto sauce, makes this dish a satisfying and visually appealing meal. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner, making it for a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this bow tie pasta recipe is sure to please. The flexibility to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even switch up the pesto sauce, ensures that you can adapt this dish to suit any preference or dietary need. So, the next time you’re craving pasta, grab a box of farfalle and whip up this creamy, comforting dish in no time!

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @cookwithexperts on Instagram and hashtag it #cookwithexperts.