Bow tie pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience! This charmingly shaped pasta, often referred to as farfalle, adds a touch of whimsy to your dinner plate. In this Bow Tie Pasta Recipe, you’ll discover how this delightful pasta captures flavors perfectly, making every forkful a joy. Pairing it with a creamy tomato sauce enriched with parmesan creates a comforting meal that warms the heart and soul. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is simple enough for a cozy night in yet special enough to impress. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something delicious together!
Why This Recipe Works
Bow tie pasta, with its unique shape, captures sauces beautifully, making each bite a delightful burst of flavor. This recipe blends creamy tomato goodness with the nuttiness of parmesan, ensuring both satisfaction and ease for your weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
This bow tie pasta recipe is not just simple; it’s transformative. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a comforting meal that brings joy to the table. Perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings, it’s a dish that evokes warmth and connection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, hand grated
- 0.5 oz fresh basil leaves, chopped
Cooking Instructions for Bow Tie Pasta
Bring Water to a Boil
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil, ready for the pasta.
Cook Bow Tie Pasta
Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, retaining some pasta water.
Sauté Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. This step isn’t just about cooking garlic; it’s about releasing that delicious aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the petite diced tomatoes, adding sugar, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 minutes. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, making the sauce rich and flavorful.
Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, then reduce heat to low. Gradually sprinkle in the hand grated parmesan cheese, stirring until beautifully melted and combined. Adjust seasonings according to taste, adding more sugar or salt if necessary. This creamy mixture is what transforms the simple sauce into a luscious delight.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the hot bow tie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat each piece in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This not only helps in coat the pasta but also ensures that every piece is generously draped in sauce.
Finish with Fresh Basil
Stir in the chopped basil leaves, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The fresh basil brings a lovely aroma and vibrant color, making your dish not only taste great but look beautiful too!
Serve Immediately
Transfer to plates or bowls and enjoy while hot, garnishing with extra parmesan if desired. Everyone will want to savor this comforting meal straight away!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bow tie pasta alongside a light green salad or garlic bread to balance the richness of the dish. Pairing it with a glass of white wine enhances the flavors beautifully. You might also want to consider a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who like a little heat!
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best taste and melting quality. The flavor differs significantly compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust the amount of garlic depending on your preference. If you adore the flavor, add a bit more!
- Don’t skip the basil; it adds a fresh, herbal note that elevates the dish. A little goes a long way.
Variations
Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for protein, or toss in some seasonal veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. You could even go meatless and incorporate mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. It might just taste even better the next day!
Pairing Ideas
This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or a bowl of minestrone soup. You’ll find that the fresh, crunchy textures of the salad contrast nicely with the creamy pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape can be used. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the packaging. If you love another shape, go ahead!
2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Just ensure the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly. There are plenty of delicious options available.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat. It’s an easy way to add a kick!
4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving, keeping it vibrant and fresh.
5. What can I do to make this dish lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. A little creativity in the kitchen always pays off!
Delight in this delightful bow tie pasta recipe that balances simplicity with rich flavor. Its creamy sauce and fresh basil create a dish that appeals to all ages. Enjoy the comfort it brings, whether as a regular weeknight meal or a special occasion treat. Your family and friends will surely appreciate this delicious, heartfelt dish!
Print
Bow Tie Pasta
This Bow Tie Pasta is a delightful dish combining the charm of farfalle with a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy evenings or family gatherings, it balances simplicity with flavor.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, hand grated
- 0.5 oz fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bow tie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add petite diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Toss the hot pasta in the sauce, adjusting thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Mix in chopped basil and serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and melting.
Adjust garlic amount based on preference.
Basil is essential for enhancing the dish’s freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
