10 Delicious Bow Tie Pasta Recipes to Elevate Your Dinner Game

Discover 10 incredible bow tie pasta recipes that will transform your meals! From creamy sauces to hearty dishes, I’ll share my personal favorites that are simple yet mouthwatering.

When I think about comfort food, bow tie pasta—or farfalle as it’s known in Italy—comes to mind. Its unique shape holds sauces beautifully, and the possibilities for creative meals are endless. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or impress your guests at a special event, bow tie pasta is a versatile base that can adapt to any flavor profile.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 mouthwatering bow tie pasta recipes, offering a mix of creamy, savory, and fresh dishes that will elevate your home-cooking game. By the end, you’ll have a collection of go-to recipes that will impress anyone, and I’ll even share tips on how to customize them to your liking.

Table of Contents

1. Bow Tie Pasta with Basil Pesto
2. Shrimp and Bow Tie Pasta in Lemon Garlic Sauce
3. Chicken Alfredo Bow Tie Pasta Bake
4. Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Mediterranean Flavors
5. Creamy Tomato Basil Bow Tie Pasta
6. Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Bow Tie Pasta
7. Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
8. Cheesy Bow Tie Pasta Casserole
9. Bow Tie Pasta with Butternut Squash and Sage

1. Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms

There’s something so comforting about the combination of creamy sauce, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. This recipe is one I make often when I crave a quick, yet hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bow tie pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 3 cups spinach (fresh)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté until golden.
3. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt if you want a healthier twist.

2. Bow Tie Pasta with Basil Pesto

I love the freshness of basil pesto, and it pairs so well with the unique shape of bow tie pasta. This is a simple recipe that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for warm summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bow tie pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and drain it, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan until smooth.
3. Slowly add the olive oil while the processor is running, until it forms a thick sauce.
4. Toss the pasta with the pesto, adding a little pasta water to help coat the noodles evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

Key Takeaway: Pesto is all about balance. If it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add more olive oil or pasta water!

3. Shrimp and Bow Tie Pasta in Lemon Garlic Sauce

This recipe is one of my all-time favorites for a light, yet satisfying dinner. The lemon garlic sauce pairs perfectly with the shrimp and bow tie pasta, offering a fresh and zesty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bow tie pasta
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta and set aside.
2. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, allowing it to reduce slightly.
3. Toss in the pasta, ensuring it’s well mixed with the shrimp and sauce. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.

Quote: “Lemon and garlic are the ultimate duo when it comes to brightening up any seafood dish.”

4. Chicken Alfredo Bow Tie Pasta Bake

For a family-friendly dinner, this chicken Alfredo bow tie pasta bake is a go-to. The creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with tender chicken and melted cheese, makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bow tie pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a large bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bold Tip: You can add vegetables like broccoli or peas to this dish to pack in extra nutrients!

Table: Nutritional Information for Bow Tie Pasta Recipes

5. Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Mediterranean Flavors

This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is one of my favorite dishes for potlucks or BBQs. The combination of fresh veggies, olives, and feta cheese makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

6. Creamy Tomato Basil Bow Tie Pasta

This dish is a perfect mix of tangy tomato sauce and creamy textures, ideal for a comforting meal on chilly nights.

Conclusion

Bow tie pasta is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide range of flavors, from creamy to fresh and zesty. These bow tie pasta recipes are some of my personal favorites, and I hope you enjoy trying them out as much as I do. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these dishes will make any meal special.

Key Takeaway

Bow tie pasta is your best friend when it comes to easy, delicious, and versatile recipes. From creamy sauces to vibrant salads, the options are endless. Just remember to have fun and customize the recipes to fit your taste!

FAQs

Q: Can I use gluten-free bow tie pasta? A: Absolutely! There are plenty of gluten-free options available that taste just as good.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover pasta? A: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a little added water or oil.

Q: Can I freeze bow tie pasta dishes? A: Yes, especially baked pasta dishes like the chicken Alfredo bow tie pasta bake freeze well.