When it comes to planning a delicious dinner, bow tie pasta, also known as the Italian “farfelle”, offers a world of culinary possibilities. These unique - shaped pastas are not only visually appealing but also pair incredibly well with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Let's explore some mouth - watering bow tie pasta recipes that will surely become a staple in your dinner rotation.
One of the classic combinations is bow tie pasta with chicken and spinach. Start by boiling the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small cubes and season them with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat and add the chicken. Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. Then, add a generous amount of fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. The heat from the chicken will wilt the spinach in just a few minutes. Once the spinach has wilted, add a cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine the chicken, spinach, and cream. Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg, a bit more salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Drain the cooked bow tie pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy chicken and spinach sauce until it's evenly coated. This dish is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a great choice for a family dinner.
Another fantastic option is bow tie pasta with roasted vegetables. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions into bite - sized pieces. Place the vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme and rosemary. Toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. While the vegetables are roasting, cook the bow tie pasta. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the roasted vegetables to the bowl, along with a handful of fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the pasta and vegetables, and toss gently to combine. The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the pasta and vegetables, creating a light yet satisfying dinner.
For those who love a bit of spice, a bow tie pasta with spicy chicken and herbs is a great option. Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of honey for at least 30 minutes. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the marinated chicken until it's cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. In a separate pot, cook the bow tie pasta. While the pasta is cooking, make a herb sauce by blending fresh cilantro, parsley, a jalapeno pepper, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lime juice in a food processor until smooth. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the cooked chicken. Pour the herb sauce over the pasta and chicken, and stir well. The combination of the spicy chicken, fresh herbs, and zesty lime makes this dish a real crowd - pleaser.
In conclusion, bow tie pasta is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dinner dishes. Whether you prefer a creamy, vegetable - packed, or spicy meal, these bow tie pasta recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and make your dinner a memorable one. So, the next time you're looking for a dinner idea, reach for a box of bow tie pasta and get creative in the kitchen!
