Bow Tie Pasta is one of those dishes that brings comfort and flavor together in every bite. It’s not just pasta with sauce – it’s a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness that you can make at home without needing any special skills. This dish is colorful, full of soft yet crunchy vegetables, and has a mild spice kick that keeps things exciting.
Why We Love This Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
You’ll love this Bow Tie Pasta recipe because it’s easy, quick, and incredibly flavorful. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want a home-cooked meal. The sauce is light yet bold, the vegetables add freshness and crunch, and the peppery spice gives it that perfect final touch. It’s a complete dish on its own – no side dish needed, no complicated steps.
Another reason you’ll keep coming back to this recipe is how customizable it is. Don’t like carrots? Skip them. Want to add mushrooms or corn? Go ahead. You can make it yours without messing up the balance of flavor. This flexibility makes it ideal for families or anyone who wants to cook once and eat happily without complaints.
Plus, bow tie pasta holds sauce really well, so every bite feels complete. There’s something about the shape that makes even a simple dish look fancy and feel more fun to eat. If you’re looking to add one go-to recipe to your weeknight rotation, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients about Bow Tie Pasta
To make this recipe, you need a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a role in giving this pasta its rich flavor and smooth texture. Most of these items might already be in your kitchen, so you can whip it up without a long shopping list.
- 1 cup bow tie pasta
- 1 small carrot, chopped finely
- 1/2 small capsicum, chopped finely
- 1 big onion, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly crushed pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 3/4 to 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
To temper:
- 1/2 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor – from the warmth of garlic and spices to the brightness of the vegetables and the richness of the pasta sauce.
How to Make Bow Tie Pasta Directions
Making Bow Tie Pasta is simple. The steps are easy to follow, and you don’t need any fancy tools or cooking techniques. Just follow this process, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy.
Start by boiling the pasta. In a deep pot, add enough water, a bit of salt, and your bow tie pasta. Let it cook until it’s soft but not too mushy. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your brand of pasta. Once it’s cooked, drain the water and set the pasta aside. You can rinse it with a little cool water to stop the cooking process.
Now it’s time to work on the base of the sauce. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil and butter together. Once the butter melts, toss in the jeera and let it crackle. The smell at this point is already amazing. Then add the crushed garlic. Sauté it for around 2 minutes until it turns slightly golden and fragrant.
Next, add the chopped onions. Cook them until they become soft and transparent. This gives the sauce a nice sweet base. After that, toss in the chopped carrot and capsicum. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still with a bit of crunch – this gives the dish a nice texture contrast.
Now comes the flavor. Add in the pasta sauce and mix it well with the veggies. Let everything cook together for a minute so the sauce can coat the vegetables evenly. Pour in about 3/4 cup water and mix. Let the mixture simmer so that the vegetables absorb the flavors of the sauce. Keep the pan covered while this happens. This step helps soften the carrots and capsicum just enough while keeping them from turning mushy.
Once the veggies are done cooking and the sauce has thickened slightly, add the crushed pepper, mixed herbs, and a bit of salt. Taste as you go – remember, the pasta was cooked with salt already, so you might not need much more. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Gently toss everything together so the sauce fully coats the pasta. You can add a splash of water if things look too dry, but the pasta should be saucy and soft by the end.
Serve your Bow Tie Pasta hot and fresh, right out of the pan.
How to Serve Bow Tie Pasta
You can enjoy Bow Tie Pasta all on its own because it has everything – carbs, vegetables, and flavor. But if you want to elevate your meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad on the side. A salad made with lettuce, cucumber, and a light lemon dressing balances the warmth of the pasta beautifully.
Some crusty bread or garlic toast also pairs nicely. You can use it to scoop up every last bit of sauce from your plate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some grated cheese over your pasta right before serving. It melts slightly and adds a creamy touch.
When serving to kids, you might want to add a bit of grated cheese or a mild sauce to keep it creamy and fun. For adults, a dash of chili flakes can add an extra layer of heat. You can also serve this pasta cold like a pasta salad if there are leftovers – just add a few fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Expert Tips: Bow Tie Pasta
- Cook the pasta al dente: This means the pasta should still have a little bite when you drain it. It will continue cooking a bit in the sauce, so avoid overcooking it from the start.
- Use fresh vegetables: The crunch of carrots and capsicum adds texture to the dish. Try not to overcook them – a slight crispness is what you’re aiming for.
- Don’t skip the garlic: It forms the base of the flavor. Crushing it fresh makes a big difference compared to pre-chopped or bottled versions.
- Balance the sauce: If your pasta sauce is too tangy or thick, adding a little water helps spread it evenly. If it feels too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken naturally.
- Toss gently: Bow tie pasta can break easily if stirred too hard. Use a soft hand when mixing it with the sauce to keep the shape intact.
These tips will help you get the best results every single time you make this dish.
How to Store Bow Tie Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store Bow Tie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure the pasta has cooled down completely before sealing it to avoid moisture buildup.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or a tiny bit of butter to loosen the sauce and bring back the moisture. You can also microwave it if you’re short on time, but the texture stays better when reheated on the stove.
Avoid freezing this pasta, as the vegetables can become too soft and the pasta might turn mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.
Variation of Bow Tie Pasta
This recipe is very adaptable. You can add or change ingredients depending on what you have at home or your personal taste. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Add more vegetables: Mushrooms, corn, spinach, or green peas all work well in this pasta. They add color, nutrition, and flavor.
- Try different sauces: If you don’t have pasta sauce, use tomato puree with some garlic and herbs. You can also make a creamy version by adding a spoonful of cream or milk-based sauce.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, sprinkle in red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
- Make it a full meal: Add cooked beans, tofu, or grilled vegetables for extra protein. This makes it more filling and balanced.
- Switch the pasta: If you don’t have bow tie pasta, use penne, fusilli, or any other shape. The method stays the same.
Feel free to experiment and create your own signature version of this pasta dish.
FAQ – Bow Tie Pasta
What makes bow tie pasta different from other pasta shapes?
Bow tie pasta, also called farfalle, has a flat, ribbon-like shape that holds sauce well. Its ridges and folds trap flavor, making every bite more satisfying than plain spaghetti or penne.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce for this recipe?
Yes, you can! A simple sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs will work perfectly. Just make sure it’s not too watery so it coats the pasta well.
Is bow tie pasta good for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well for a day or two in the fridge. Just reheat gently and add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
After draining, you can toss the pasta with a tiny bit of oil if you’re not adding it to the sauce right away. Stirring it quickly into the sauce also prevents sticking.
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free bow tie pasta and double-check that your pasta sauce is gluten-free too. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Bow Tie Pasta
Equipment
- Deep Pot
- Pan
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 cup bow tie pasta
- 1 small carrot chopped finely
- 1/2 small capsicum chopped finely
- 1 big onion chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly crushed pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 3/4 to 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds) for tempering
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic for tempering
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for tempering
- 1 tablespoon butter for tempering
Instructions
- Boil water in a deep pot, add salt, and cook bow tie pasta until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add jeera and let it crackle. Then add crushed garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until golden.
- Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Then toss in chopped carrot and capsicum; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add pasta sauce and mix well. Pour in 3/4 cup water and simmer, covered, for a few minutes to allow the vegetables to absorb flavors.
- Once the vegetables are cooked and the sauce thickens, stir in crushed pepper, mixed herbs, and salt to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce. Serve hot.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!