35 Bow Tie Pasta Recipes
Bow tie pasta (farfalle) isn’t just adorable—it’s got the perfect surface area for clinging to sauces and holding mix-ins. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh or rich and comforting, these recipes prove that bow ties belong in your regular rotation.
1. Classic Pesto Bow Ties
Source: inquiringchef.com
Vibrant basil pesto clings beautifully to those little pasta wings, and adding pine nuts gives it an extra nutty crunch that makes all the difference.
2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan
Source: rhondasthriftykitchen.com
Rich, buttery, and garlicky without being heavy—the bow tie shape holds onto every bit of that silky sauce.
3. Lemon Chicken Bow Ties
Source: eatmovemake.com
Tender chicken pieces with bright lemon zest and fresh thyme create a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
4. Tomato Basil with Fresh Mozzarella
Source: ciaochowbambina.com
Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they cook, creating a light sauce that pools around warm bow ties and melts the mozzarella just right.
5. Spinach and Feta Filling
Source: daisybeet.com
This Greek-inspired version combines earthy spinach with tangy crumbled feta and a hint of garlic for something truly memorable.
6. Mushroom Truffle Oil
Source: vegetariangastronomy.com
Sautéed mushrooms go luxe when you finish with a drizzle of truffle oil—elegant enough for date night, easy enough for Tuesday.
7. Caprese Salad Pasta
Source: thecookingduo.com
Chilled bow tie pasta tossed with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and balsamic—a summer salad that feels like a light meal.
8. Bacon and Roasted Garlic
Source: mariefoodtips.com
Crispy bacon bits and whole roasted garlic cloves add smoky depth to a simple butter-based sauce that lets each ingredient shine.
9. Shrimp Scampi Bow Ties
Source: andiemitchell.com
Plump shrimp sautéed in garlic and white wine creates a light yet luxurious sauce that’s proof bow ties work beautifully with seafood.
10. Creamy Mushroom Thyme
Source: vegetariangastronomy.com
A touch of cream mellows earthy mushrooms while fresh thyme adds herbaceous complexity—comfort food that feels like a hug.
11. Sun-Dried Tomato and Pine Nuts
Source: tastefullygrace.com
Concentrated sun-dried tomato flavor gets balanced by toasted pine nuts and a whisper of garlic for a sophisticated side dish.
12. Cajun Sausage and Peppers
Source: thelazydish.com
Spicy sausage chunks with roasted bell peppers and onions create a bold, slightly smoky pasta that’s hard to stop eating.
13. Ricotta and Herb Toss
Source: recipegirl.com
Creamy dollops of ricotta melt into warm pasta, studded with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
14. Black Truffle Carbonara
Source: cucinabyelena.com
A luxe take on a classic: this version adds black truffle shavings to the silky egg and cheese sauce for pure indulgence.
15. Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Source: allrecipes.com
Slightly bitter broccoli rabe paired with spicy Italian sausage and garlic creates complexity that keeps you reaching for more.
16. Artichoke and Green Olive
Source: rachelcarr.com
Tender artichoke hearts and briny green olives create a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s bright, tangy, and full of personality.
17. Vodka Sauce with Peas
Source: foodandwine.com
Creamy tomato sauce with a splash of vodka gets a burst of sweetness from peas—comfort food with unexpected depth.
18. Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese
Source: fortheloveofgourmet.com
Silky roasted red peppers pair with tangy goat cheese and fresh basil for a color-popping dish that’s naturally gluten-free friendly.
19. Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash
Source: heinens.com
Nutty brown butter, crispy sage, and tender roasted squash create an autumn-inspired pasta that tastes like pure comfort.
20. Mediterranean Tuna and Capers
Source: simplyrecipes.com
Canned tuna gets elevated with capers, olives, and fresh parsley—a no-fuss dinner that feels more restaurant than pantry.
21. Creamy Dill and Salmon
Source: delallo.com
Flaky salmon in a dill-forward cream sauce with a hint of lemon zest creates an elegant meal that cooks in 20 minutes.
22. Walnut Pesto and Roasted Tomatoes
Source: mythreeseasons.com
Walnuts replace pine nuts in this budget-friendly pesto variation, paired with concentrated roasted tomato flavor.
23. Spicy Arrabbiata
Source: fauziaskitchenfun.com
Just tomatoes, garlic, and red chili flakes come together for a fiery, minimalist sauce that proves simplicity can be stunning.
24. Prosciutto and Melon
Source: gimmesomeoven.com
This unexpected combination of salty prosciutto, sweet melon, and fresh mint feels like late summer on a plate.
25. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach
Source: amyinthekitchen.com
Garlicky shrimp nestle into wilted spinach in a silky butter sauce—refined enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights.
26. Beet and Goat Cheese
Source: bonappetit.com
Roasted beets give pasta an earthy sweetness and gorgeous color, balanced by tangy goat cheese and walnuts.
27. Clam and White Wine
Source: therockymountainwoman.com
Tender clams brined in salty brininess come together with white wine and garlic for a seafood lover’s dream.
28. Roasted Garlic and Kale
Source: orchidsandsweettea.com
Crispy kale chips add crunch to a smooth roasted garlic oil—hearty but still light and surprisingly indulgent.
29. Lemon Asparagus and Almonds
Source: aperfectfeast.com
Spring on a plate: tender asparagus, fresh lemon, and toasted almonds create a vibrant side dish or light main.
30. Creamy Tomato and Basil
Source: yourcupofcake.com
A silky hybrid between marinara and alfredo, this sauce clings beautifully to bow ties and tastes like homemade comfort.
31. Roasted Broccolini with Garlic Oil
Source: andiemitchell.com
Charred broccolini tossed in a garlicky olive oil with red pepper flakes brings restaurant-quality texture to weeknight pasta.
32. Pancetta and Mushroom
Source: youtube.com
Crispy pancetta plays off earthy sautéed mushrooms in a light brown butter sauce that’s deeply satisfying.
33. Pumpkin Sage Cream
Source: yupitsvegan.com
Silky pumpkin puree becomes luxurious pasta sauce when combined with cream, sage, and a hint of nutmeg.
34. Zucchini Noodles and Pesto Mix
Source: silviascucina.net
Traditional farfalle mixed with spiralized zucchini and fresh pesto creates a lighter pasta that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
35. Crispy Prosciutto and Peas
Source: americastestkitchen.com
Salty, crispy prosciutto bits scattered over bow ties with fresh peas and a touch of cream is the definition of elegant simplicity.
