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Italian Bow Tie Pasta

When it comes to comforting, versatile, and utterly delicious Italian cuisine, Italian Bow Tie Pasta (also known as farfalle) takes center stage. With its unique, butterfly-like shape and ability to pair with a variety of sauces and ingredients, bow tie pasta is a delightful choice for family dinners, festive gatherings, or even a cozy solo meal.
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Course Appetizer
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz 340 g bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup zucchini or bell peppers diced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream or tomato sauce your choice
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes optional
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • 1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  • 2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Stir in cherry tomatoes and zucchini or bell peppers, cooking until softened (5-7 minutes).
  • Add sliced olives if desired.
  • 3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
  • Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream or tomato sauce.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Simmer the sauce gently until slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
  • 4️⃣ Combine Pasta and Sauce
  • Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  • 5️⃣ Season and Garnish
  • Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor.
Keyword Italian Bow Tie Pasta
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