10+ Bow Tie Pasta Recipes to Try for Easy and Delicious Meals

Bow tie pasta’s fun shape makes it a favorite for all sorts of meals. It holds onto sauces well, whether you’re craving something creamy, tomato-based, or packed with veggies.

You can whip up tasty dishes with bow tie pasta that fit your mood and schedule. There’s a lot of room to experiment, too—just use what you have.

If you’re after a quick dinner or want to try something a little fancier, bow tie pasta recipes have you covered. Making these at home is pretty straightforward, and you can swap ingredients to match your cravings.

Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Fresh vegetables (like broccoli or tomatoes)
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream or tomato sauce
• Fresh basil or other herbs
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot, salt it well.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes).
3. While it cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
4. Add garlic, sauté for a minute or two.
5. Toss in veggies and cook until they’re just tender.
6. Pour in cream or tomato sauce, heat it through.
7. Drain pasta, mix with sauce and cheese.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.

1) Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Italian Sausage and Broccoli

This creamy bow tie pasta with Italian sausage and broccoli is so easy and hits the spot. Brown the sausage first, then add broccoli for crunch and color.

The sauce is a simple mix of cream and Parmesan, coating the pasta just right. It’s done fast—ideal for those nights when you want something a little special but don’t want to fuss.

You can use fresh or frozen broccoli here. I like cooking everything in one pan—less mess, more flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (remove casing)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a big pan, brown the sausage, breaking it up.
3. Add garlic and broccoli; cook until broccoli’s tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Lower the heat, stir in cream and Parmesan, and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Add the pasta, toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve warm.

2) Bow Tie Pasta in Creamy Tomato Sauce with Parmesan and Basil

This one’s so simple and good. The pasta cooks quickly, and you toss it in a creamy tomato sauce. Add fresh basil and Parmesan on top—it just works.

You can have this ready in about 20 minutes. The sauce is smooth and comforting, and it’s perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade but easy.

Adjust the basil and Parmesan to your liking. It’s a no-fuss pasta that still feels a bit fancy.

Ingredients

• Bow tie pasta
• Canned crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the pasta until al dente.
2. Heat olive oil, add tomatoes, and let them simmer.
3. Stir in cream and salt.
4. Toss pasta with the sauce.
5. Top with basil and Parmesan before serving.

3) Cheesy and Buttery Bow Tie Pasta

This dish is all about comfort—a mix of creamy butter and sharp Parmesan cheese. The sauce clings to every bow tie, and garlic sneaks in a little extra flavor.

It cooks up fast, so it’s great for busy nights. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of color and taste. If you save a bit of pasta water, the sauce turns out extra silky.

Sometimes I toss in ground beef or veggies to make it heartier. It’s flexible like that.

Ingredients

• 1 lb bow tie pasta
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil pasta until al dente, save ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Melt butter in a big pan, add garlic, cook for a minute or two.
3. Add pasta and reserved water, stir to combine.
4. Mix in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let it get creamy for a minute or two.
5. Garnish with herbs if you want, serve warm.

4) Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce

This one’s light and fresh. You get tender broccoli, a zing from lemon, and garlic holding it all together.

Cook the broccoli just enough so it stays crisp. Toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and broccoli for a quick, bright sauce.

It’s healthy and still filling. When you want something fresh and not too heavy, this is a good pick.

Ingredients

• ½ pound bow tie pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil salted water, cook broccoli for 3 minutes, then take it out.
2. Cook pasta in the same water, about 12 minutes, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic, cook until fragrant.
4. Add broccoli and pasta, stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Toss and heat for a minute or two, then serve.

You can find more details here: Allrecipes Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli, Garlic, and Lemon.

5) Farfalle with Prosciutto and Pesto

This one’s super simple and loaded with flavor. Cook farfalle until it’s just right, then toss it with homemade basil pesto.

Add strips of prosciutto for a salty punch. The combo of fresh pesto and prosciutto is hard to beat.

If you’re feeling it, add a little garlic or cheese for extra oomph. It’s light but still satisfying.

Ingredients

• 12 oz farfalle pasta
• 4 oz prosciutto, sliced thin
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook farfalle in salted water until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. In a big bowl, mix pesto with garlic if you want.
4. Toss pasta with pesto.
5. Gently fold in prosciutto.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan on top if you like.

6) Chicken Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach in One Pan

You can throw together a tasty meal using just one pan. Start by cooking chicken pieces in olive oil, then add garlic and onions for flavor.

Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt. Add the cooked pasta, stir everything together, and season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan.

This saves on dishes and brings great flavors. Add mushrooms or red peppers if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-3 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook pasta, drain, set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium.
3. Add chicken, cook until browned and done.
4. Stir in garlic and onion, cook until soft.
5. Add spinach, cook until wilted.
6. Mix in pasta, season with salt and pepper.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Check out more tips here: Chicken Florentine Bow Tie Pasta.

7) Farfalle with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chicken

This dish mixes tender chicken with farfalle and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The tomatoes add a sweet, punchy flavor that works well with the chicken.

Cook the chicken strips first. Then, in the same pan, sauté onions and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil.

Toss everything with cooked farfalle and a quick sauce of garlic, butter, and a bit of cream or cheese. It’s fast and really tasty.

You can use fresh or jarred sun-dried tomatoes. Sometimes I throw in spinach or extra Parmesan for good measure.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• 12 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
• 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 onions, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook farfalle, drain, set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan, cook chicken strips until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken.
3. In the same pan, add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and butter, stir for 2 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan, mix with onion and tomato.
6. Stir in cream or Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, heat gently until sauce thickens.
7. Toss in the cooked farfalle, serve warm.

8) Creamy Ground Beef and Bow Tie Pasta

This creamy ground beef and bow tie pasta is just pure comfort. You cook up some beef with onions and garlic, then pour in broth and cream for a sauce that’s honestly hard to resist.

Bow tie pasta goes right into the pot and soaks up all those flavors while it cooks. It’s filling, but you don’t have to fuss much.

One pot means you won’t be stuck with a mountain of dishes. The cheese melts in at the end, making everything rich and a little gooey.

Tweak the seasonings if you want—sometimes I add extra pepper. Serve it up hot, maybe with a quick salad if you’re feeling motivated.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8-12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Parmesan)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it’s not pink anymore.
2. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, and cook until they soften up.
3. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, then give it a good stir.
4. Add the uncooked bow tie pasta, plus salt and pepper.
5. Cover and let it simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Stir now and then until the pasta’s tender.
6. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s all melty and creamy.
7. Serve warm.

Learn more about this recipe at Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

9) Bow Tie Pasta with Artichoke Pesto

Here’s a bow tie pasta that’s all about fresh, bright flavors. You mix cooked pasta with a creamy artichoke pesto—usually artichoke hearts, garlic, olive oil, and cheese.

A little fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice really wakes it up. It’s a solid meat-free dinner, and you can throw it together pretty quickly.

Want it extra rich? Toss in some grated Parmesan or even a dollop of ricotta. You’ll find recipes like this on eMeals or DeLallo if you want to dig deeper.

Ingredients

• 8 oz bow tie pasta
• 1 jar (12 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package, drain it, and set aside.
2. In a blender, combine the artichoke hearts, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Blend until smooth.
3. Toss the pasta with the artichoke pesto.
4. Add some chopped fresh basil if you’re using it.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or cold.

10) Quick Bow Tie Pasta with Paprika Chicken

You can whip up a tasty bow tie pasta with paprika chicken in less than 30 minutes. The paprika brings a warm, smoky kick that really works with the creamy pasta.

You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen already. That’s always a win in my book.

Start by cooking chicken with garlic and butter. That combo smells amazing and gives you a good, rich base.

Next, toss in some flour and chicken broth to get a smooth sauce going. I like to finish it off with cooked bow tie pasta and a splash of white wine—adds a little something special.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 chicken breasts
• 8 ounces bow tie pasta
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Season chicken breasts with paprika and cook them in a large pan over medium heat until they’re done.
2. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
3. In that same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Let it cook until it smells nice.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and wine, stirring until the sauce thickens up.
6. Cut the chicken into pieces and toss it back into the pan.
7. Cook the pasta in a separate pot following the package directions, then drain.
8. Mix the pasta into the pan with the sauce and chicken.
9. Let everything heat together for a couple of minutes before serving.