10 Delicious Bow Tie Pasta Recipes : Easy, Creamy, and Vegan Options
Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a playful and versatile pasta that works well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Its unique shape, with a pinched center and wide wings, makes it perfect for holding chunky sauces, making every bite flavorful. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight meal or a gourmet dish for a special occasion, these bow tie pasta recipes will surely impress. In this article, we’ll explore ten delicious recipes, including creamy, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that suit every palate.
Introduction to Bow Tie Pasta
Bow tie pasta has a rich history, originally created in Northern Italy. Today, it’s enjoyed worldwide for its ability to complement a wide range of sauces—from cream-based to pesto, to hearty tomato sauces. Its distinct shape isn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it’s functional, too, helping the pasta grip sauce effectively.
In addition to its versatility, bow tie pasta is a great option for quick and easy meals. If you’re looking for tips on how to cook pasta to perfection, check out this guide on how to perfectly cook pasta. It’s crucial to ensure your pasta holds up well to your sauce, and following this advice will help you achieve the best results.
Moreover, if you’re planning to create a perfect tomato-based dish, this best tomato sauce recipe can offer incredible inspiration for your pasta creations.
Now, let’s dive into the recipes!
Classic Bow Tie Pasta Recipes
Creamy Alfredo Bow Tie Pasta
This classic Alfredo bow tie pasta is a rich and indulgent dish, perfect for satisfying creamy pasta cravings. The Alfredo sauce clings to every curve of the bow tie pasta, ensuring a flavor-packed bite.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cream, stirring until combined, and cook on medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce, coating evenly, and serve hot with extra cheese on top.
Optional: Add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Pesto Bow Tie Pasta
A simple yet flavorful dish, pesto bow tie pasta is ideal for a light meal or a quick lunch. Pesto’s vibrant green color and zesty taste beautifully complement the texture of the pasta.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Pine nuts
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the bow tie pasta as per the package instructions and drain.
- In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, slowly adding olive oil until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the pesto sauce until well-coated.
- Serve hot or chilled, garnished with extra Parmesan and pine nuts.
Gourmet Bow Tie Pasta Recipes
Bow Tie Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Mushrooms
This gourmet recipe combines the deep flavors of sundried tomatoes and earthy mushrooms to elevate your pasta experience. It’s perfect for an elegant dinner at home.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta
- Sundried tomatoes (in oil)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add the mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, cooking until mushrooms are tender.
- Toss the pasta into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated in the oil and tomato mixture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
For garlic lovers, this simple dish focuses on the aromatic power of garlic and the nuttiness of Parmesan. It’s a quick recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta
- Garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic slices until golden brown.
- Toss the pasta into the garlic oil mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Add Parmesan, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Vegetarian and Vegan Bow Tie Pasta Recipes
Vegan Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
This hearty vegan recipe brings together roasted vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a satisfying meal for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta (vegan-friendly)
- Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes (chopped)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
Instructions:
- Roast vegetables in the oven at 400°F with olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar for about 25 minutes.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Toss the roasted vegetables with the pasta and garnish with fresh basil.
Bow Tie Pasta with Avocado Cream Sauce
This creamy vegan pasta uses avocados as a base for a velvety sauce that’s both healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta (vegan-friendly)
- Ripe avocados
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Cook the bow tie pasta and set aside.
- In a blender, combine avocados, lemon juice, garlic powder, and olive oil until smooth.
- Toss the pasta in the avocado sauce and garnish with cilantro.
Meat and Seafood Bow Tie Pasta Recipes
Chicken Bow Tie Pasta in Cream Sauce
For a comforting and protein-packed dish, this recipe pairs tender chicken with a rich cream sauce.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta
- Chicken breast (grilled or sautéed)
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
Instructions:
- Cook bow tie pasta as per instructions.
- In a skillet, cook chicken breasts until golden, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the cream sauce by melting butter, adding garlic, and stirring in cream and Parmesan.
- Combine the pasta and chicken with the sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Shrimp and Bow Tie Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce
Seafood lovers will enjoy this light, citrusy dish. The bright flavors of lemon pair perfectly with shrimp.
Ingredients:
- Bow tie pasta
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, then drizzle lemon juice over them.
- Toss the pasta into the shrimp mixture and garnish with parsley.
FAQs
- What sauces go well with bow tie pasta? Bow tie pasta pairs well with a variety of sauces, including Alfredo, pesto, and tomato-based sauces.
- Can you use bow tie pasta in soups? Yes, bow tie pasta can be used in hearty soups like minestrone, as its shape holds up well in broth.
- How do I keep bow tie pasta from sticking together? To prevent sticking, be sure to use plenty of water when cooking and stir the pasta occasionally. Tossing with olive oil after draining can also help.
- Is bow tie pasta suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Bow tie pasta holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep dishes.