I was craving for something creamy and comforting, so I decided to make this creamy bow tie pasta recipe, the ultimate weeknight comfort food! Tossed in a rich tomato, parmesan, cream sauce and finished with fresh basil. The whole kitchen smelled delicious while it was cooking, and my family devoured it! It’s quick and ready in 20 minutes, kid-friendly, and perfect when served with garlic bread or a simple salad.
This Bow Tie Pasta Recipe Inspiration
There are some recipes I make on repeat but never share in my blogposts and this is definitely one of them. It’s one of our all-time favorite bow tie pasta recipes for dinners at home, and for good reason. This flavourful creamy tomato pasta comes together in 20 minutes or even less.
The sauce is made with common ingredients: garlic, canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. A small pinch of sugar and a generous sprinkle of salt bring this sauce to life and balance the flavors beautifully. I finish it with fresh basil for a pop of color and that classic Italian touch, and you’ve got a cozy, creamy pasta dish.
Needed Ingredients
This bow tie pasta recipe shines with just a handful of store-bought ingredients; you can have it on the table in no time.
Bow Tie Pasta – It is also called farfalle or butterfly pasta. This shape is perfect to hold every bit of creamy sauce.
Garlic –A little sautéed garlic build rich foundation of the dish.
Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes help to make this recipe quick and easy.
Sugar – Just a pinch helps to cut the acidity of the canned tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
Heavy Cream – It makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Parmesan – I used fresh, hand-grated Parmesan that melts best.
Basil Leaves – Thinly sliced fresh basil brings a classic Italian touch and fresh taste.
Bow Tie Pasta Recipe Ingredient Variations
This bow tie pasta was created as a vegetarian dish, but you can easily customize it according to personal preference. Try mixing in protein,
- Italian sausage
- Smoked sausage
- Chicken breasts or thighs (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- Ground beef
If you want to add more vegetables, stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt while cooking, or sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra flavor and texture. If you like a spicy kick, season it with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or Calabrian chilli paste.
How to Make Creamy Bow Tie Pasta
This bow tie pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights and guaranteed hit in family crowds. It’s quickly become everyone’s favourite, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente, or follow package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts. Taste and adjust the seasoning, for balancing the tomatoes’ acidity, you may want a little extra sugar or salt.
Step 3: Finish with Fresh Basil
Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet and toss to fully coat in the creamy parmesan sauce. Stir in freshly chopped basil and serve hot & immediately.
Storing Leftovers
This creamy bow tie pasta is just as convenient the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may look less creamy straight from the fridge, but just adding a splash of water to your pasta bowl before microwaving brings back that rich, saucy texture.
When should you use bow tie pasta in recipes?
Bow tie pasta is a versatile shape that pairs beautifully with many dishes of pasta, fresh salads and comforting soups. It tastes great with marinara or meat sauces, as its unique shape ridges hold onto flavor in every bite. The shape also works perfectly in pasta salads, catching herbs, veggies, and cheese for a flavourful mix. It also make balanced bite-sized addition to Italian-style soups like pasta e fagioli.
What is a good substitute for bow tie pasta?
If you don’t have bow tie (farfalle) on hand, any short, bite-sized pasta works well. Try shells, orecchiette, mini penne, or mezzi rigatoni; they all hold sauce nicely and make excellent substitutes for bow tie pasta.
This creamy bow tie pasta recipe hits the sweet spot between fast, easy, and flavorful. It’s versatile and customizable for protein lovers and vegetarians alike, perfect for weeknights, and loved by kids and adults equally. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
