Ah, bowtie pasta! Just saying it brings a smile to my face. There’s something so charming about those little butterfly shapes, don’t you think? This dish is one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick yet delightful. I remember the first time I made it; I had some cherry tomatoes and fresh basil from my garden, and I thought, “Why not throw them together?” And let me tell you, it was a match made in heaven! The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make this dish not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
What I love most about this bowtie pasta is how simple it is to whip up. You can have it on the table in just 25 minutes! It’s a perfect weeknight meal, but it feels special enough for a cozy dinner party. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so it’s great for everyone at the table. Trust me, once you’ve tried this easy, fresh pasta dish, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and delicious dish. I always recommend using fresh basil because it adds such a wonderful aroma and taste! And those cherry tomatoes? They bring a burst of sweetness that balances everything perfectly. You can easily adjust the seasoning to your liking, so don’t be shy about adding more salt or pepper! This simple list makes it easy to shop and whip up this delightful bowtie pasta in no time.
How to Prepare Bowtie Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of preparing this scrumptious bowtie pasta! I promise, it’s as easy as it is delicious. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where your bowtie pasta will come to life!
- Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Give it a stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want that oil nice and warm, but not smoking!
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices. You’ll love the vibrant smell!
- Once your pasta is cooked, drain it, but don’t rinse it—keep that starchy goodness! Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the garlic and tomatoes.
- Then, add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently until well combined. The colors should pop, and the aroma will be divine!
- Finally, serve warm and enjoy this delightful dish. You might want to add some grated parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy!
And there you have it! Simple steps for a spectacular dish that’s bound to impress. You’ll be savoring every bite of this fresh and flavorful bowtie pasta!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious bowl of bowtie pasta, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just tasty but also provides some solid nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like different brands of pasta or if you decide to add extra toppings. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish that fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet while still being satisfying and hearty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes!
- Fresh ingredients create a vibrant and flavorful dish.
- Perfectly vegetarian-friendly, making it great for all diets.
- Versatile—great as a main course or a side dish.
- Beautiful presentation with colorful cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or proteins.
- A comforting meal that feels special enough for any occasion.
Trust me, this bowtie pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make sure your bowtie pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skimp on the salt when boiling your pasta; it makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try using whole grain bowtie pasta or even a gluten-free option! For added depth, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach or zucchini along with the tomatoes. And presentation? A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil on top will elevate the dish instantly! Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Variations on Bowtie Pasta
One of the best things about this bowtie pasta dish is how versatile it is! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. For a zesty kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. If you’re a fan of greens, try tossing in some spinach or arugula right at the end; they’ll wilt perfectly with the heat. You could also mix in roasted bell peppers or even artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. And don’t forget about herbs—fresh parsley or oregano can add a wonderful aroma. Experiment away, and you’ll find your favorite version in no time!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful bowtie pasta, you can really elevate the experience with a few perfect pairings! A crisp garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette complements the freshness of the pasta beautifully. You might also consider some garlic bread on the side—who can resist that buttery goodness? For a beverage, a chilled glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, works wonders with the flavors. And if you’re feeling fancy, a light dessert like panna cotta or sorbet would round off the meal perfectly. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious bowtie pasta (which is rare, trust me!), storing it is a breeze. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help revive the flavors and prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want to keep that delightful texture intact!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out our pasta recipes!
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, visit Food Network.
And if you’re interested in the health benefits of tomatoes, you can learn more here.
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Delightful Bowtie Pasta in 25 Minutes for Comforting Nights
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious bowtie pasta dish with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and basil to the pan.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together and serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: bowtie pasta, pasta recipe, Italian cuisine