15 Best Bow Tie Pasta Recipes To Try Today

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15 Global Bow Tie Pasta Recipes for Every Occasion

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Indulge in the playful charm of bow tie pasta with Mangoes and Palm Trees’ 15 best recipes, inspired by cuisines from Italy to Greece!

Envision a global feast where the whimsical shape of bow tie pasta, or farfalle, transforms into unforgettable dishes—Italian garlic-butter delights, Greek-inspired salads, and American creamy Alfredo. A universal comfort food, bow tie pasta’s versatility shines in cuisines worldwide, from hearty family dinners to light summer snacks. At *Mangoes and Palm Trees*, we celebrate its global appeal, drawing on diverse traditions, including Natalia’s Siberian heritage, to create **global pasta dishes** that are easy, nutritious, and fun for all ages. From our Italian Garlic-Butter Spinach and Pasta to One-Pot Caprese Pasta, these **easy bow tie pasta recipes** offer vibrant, healthy, and flavorful options. Explore this delightful collection and dive into more at our Recipes Collection.


Why Bow Tie Pasta?

Bow tie pasta, known as farfalle or "butterflies" in Italian, is beloved for its playful shape and ability to hold sauces, from creamy to light. Its chewy texture pairs perfectly with vegetables, meats, or simple herb dressings, making it a staple in global cuisines. At *Mangoes and Palm Trees*, we’ve reimagined farfalle with international flair, incorporating Italian, Greek, and American influences to create **healthy pasta meals** that suit busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether baked into chips or tossed in a salad, bow tie pasta is a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. Discover more pasta inspiration in our Sauce Recipes.

The Global Charm of Bow Tie Pasta

From Italian trattorias to American diners, bow tie pasta is a global favorite, valued for its ability to pair with diverse ingredients—creamy cheeses, tangy pickles, or fresh herbs. Its shape adds a fun, family-friendly element to any dish. Our recipes offer a **100% unique** approach, blending authentic global traditions with modern ease for meals that delight (Bon Appétit).


Signature Recipe: Italian Garlic-Butter Spinach and Pasta

Start your global pasta journey with our flagship **Italian Garlic-Butter Spinach and Pasta**, a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* exclusive that combines bow tie pasta with fresh spinach in a light, creamy garlic-butter sauce, perfect as a healthy main or side.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Fresh spinach4 cupsVegetable filler
Butter2 tbspRich base
Garlic3 clovesAromatic flavor
Cream cheese2 ozCreamy texture
Milk1/2 cupSauce thinner
Parmesan cheese1/4 cupNutty topping
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute. Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in 2 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking until smooth, about 3 minutes. Toss with pasta and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped parsley for an Italian-inspired dish (Diethood). Pair with our Healthy Meal Plans.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 12g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.


14 More Global Bow Tie Pasta Inspirations

Beyond our signature pasta, here are 14 additional **bow tie pasta recipes**, each infused with a *Mangoes and Palm Trees* global twist, drawing from cuisines worldwide to spark your culinary creativity.

2. American Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Bacon

Rich pasta with a savory bacon-Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Bacon6 slicesSavory flavor
Heavy cream1 cupCreamy sauce
Parmesan cheese1/2 cupNutty topping
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, cook 6 bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes, then crumble. In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute. Add 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, simmering for 5 minutes. Stir in pasta, bacon, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley for an American-inspired dish (Persnickety Plates).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 15g protein, 25g fat, 40g carbs, 2g fiber, 800mg sodium.

3. American One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta

Hearty one-pot dish with a creamy garlic sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Chicken breast1 lbProtein base
Bell peppers1 cupVegetable filler
Onion1/2 cupSweet depth
Garlic3 clovesAromatic base
Heavy cream1 cupCreamy sauce
Chicken broth2 cupsCooking liquid
Butter1 tbspRich base
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Parmesan1/4 cupGarnish

Cooking Method

In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat and cook 1 lb diced chicken breast with 1 tsp salt for 5 minutes until browned. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1 cup diced bell peppers, cooking for 3 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 8 oz bow tie pasta. Simmer for 20 minutes until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for an American-inspired dish (Scrambled Chefs). Pair with our Grilled Chicken Recipes.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 30g protein, 20g fat, 40g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium.

4. Italian Bow Tie Pasta with Sausage and Broccolini

Robust one-pot dish with a creamy tomato sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Italian sausage1 lbProtein base
Broccolini2 cupsVegetable filler
Sun-dried tomatoes1/4 cupTangy flavor
Heavy cream1/2 cupCreamy sauce
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Chili flakes1/2 tspMild heat
Parmesan1/4 cupGarnish
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer

Cooking Method

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and cook 1 lb crumbled Italian sausage with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp chili flakes for 5 minutes until browned. Add 2 cups chopped broccolini, 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 8 oz cooked bow tie pasta, simmering for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for an Italian-inspired dish (Family Style Food).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 20g protein, 25g fat, 40g carbs, 3g fiber, 800mg sodium.

5. American Bacon and Brussels Sprouts with Pasta

Crunchy pasta with a savory bacon sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Bacon6 slicesSavory flavor
Brussels sprouts2 cupsVegetable filler
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Parmesan cheese1/4 cupNutty topping
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, cook 6 bacon slices until crispy, about 5 minutes, then crumble. Add 2 cups halved Brussels sprouts, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet, cooking for 5 minutes until tender. Toss with pasta, bacon, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley for an American-inspired dish (Creative Culinary).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 15g protein, 20g fat, 45g carbs, 4g fiber, 700mg sodium.

6. Italian Farfalle with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Caramelized Onions

Creamy meatless pasta with a Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Spinach4 cupsVegetable filler
Mushrooms1 cupEarthy flavor
Onion1 mediumCaramelized sweetness
Heavy cream1/2 cupCreamy sauce
Parmesan cheese1/4 cupNutty topping
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and caramelize 1 sliced onion over low heat for 15 minutes. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in 4 cups spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, simmering for 3 minutes. Toss with pasta and garnish with 1 tbsp parsley for an Italian-inspired dish (Julia’s Album).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 12g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.

7. Italian Pasta Chips

Crispy air-fried pasta snacks with a herb seasoning.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Olive oil2 tbspCoating
Parmesan cheese1/4 cupNutty flavor
Dried oregano1 tspItalian herb
Garlic powder1 tspAromatic flavor
Salt1/2 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/4 tspSubtle spice
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place in an air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1 tbsp chopped parsley for an Italian-inspired snack (Cooking with Ayeh).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~250 kcal, 8g protein, 10g fat, 35g carbs, 2g fiber, 500mg sodium.

8. Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Marinated Chickpeas

Fresh salad with a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Chickpeas1 can (15 oz)Protein filler
Lemon juice1/4 cupZesty dressing
Olive oil1/4 cupDressing base
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Fresh parsley2 tbspHerb flavor
Parmesan cheese1/4 cupNutty topping
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and cool. In a bowl, marinate 1 can drained chickpeas with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for 15 minutes. Toss pasta with chickpeas, remaining 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired dish (Pinch of Yum).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 12g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 5g fiber, 600mg sodium.

9. American Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Tangy salad with a creamy pickle dressing.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Dill pickles1 cupTangy flavor
Cheddar cheese1/2 cupSharp flavor
Red cabbage1 cupCrunchy texture
Lettuce1 cupFresh base
Sour cream1/4 cupCreamy dressing
Mayonnaise1/4 cupCreamy dressing
Garlic powder1/2 tspAromatic flavor
Salt1/2 tspFlavor enhancer
Dill1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and cool. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss with pasta, 1 cup diced dill pickles, 1/2 cup cubed cheddar, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1 cup chopped lettuce. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped dill for an American-inspired dish (Veggie Desserts).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 10g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium.

10. Greek 20-Minute Pasta Salad

Light salad with a feta-tzatziki dressing.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Cherry tomatoes1 cupSweet crunch
Cucumber1 cupFresh crunch
Feta cheese1/2 cupSalty topping
Tzatziki1/4 cupCreamy dressing
Red onion1/4 cupSharp flavor
Olives1/4 cupBriny flavor
Olive oil2 tbspDressing base
Red wine vinegar2 tbspAcidic balance
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and cool. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/4 cup tzatziki. Toss with pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, 1/4 cup sliced olives, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley for a Greek-inspired dish (Baker by Nature).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 10g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.

11. Italian Date Night Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese

Romantic pasta with a creamy goat cheese sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Mushrooms1 cupEarthy flavor
Spinach2 cupsVegetable filler
Goat cheese1/2 cupCreamy topping
Heavy cream1/2 cupCreamy sauce
White wine1/4 cupAcidic balance
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and cook 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup sliced mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 cups spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese, cooking for 3 minutes. Toss with pasta and garnish with 1 tbsp parsley for an Italian-inspired dish (Pinch of Yum).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 12g protein, 20g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium.

12. Italian Quick Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, and Tomatoes

Flavorful pasta with a light tomato sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Chicken breast1 lbProtein base
Cherry tomatoes1 cupSweet flavor
Spinach2 cupsVegetable filler
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Parmesan cheese1/4 cupNutty topping
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice
Basil1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and cook 1 lb diced chicken breast with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper for 5 minutes until browned. Rest chicken for 10 minutes. In the same skillet, cook 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for 3 minutes. Add 2 cups spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Toss with 8 oz cooked bow tie pasta and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped basil for an Italian-inspired dish (Red Wine Dragons).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 30g protein, 10g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.

13. American Bow Tie Chicken Alfredo

Classic creamy pasta with broccoli and chicken.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Chicken breast1 lbProtein base
Broccoli2 cupsVegetable filler
Heavy cream1 cupCreamy sauce
Parmesan cheese1/2 cupNutty topping
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Butter2 tbspRich base
White wine1/4 cupAcidic balance
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Parsley1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

Cook 8 oz bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and cook 1 lb diced chicken breast with 1 tsp salt for 5 minutes until browned. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 cups broccoli florets, cooking for 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup white wine and 1 cup heavy cream, simmering for 5 minutes. Toss with pasta and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Garnish with 1 tbsp parsley for an American-inspired dish (The Pioneer Woman). Pair with our Sauce Recipes.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 30g protein, 20g fat, 40g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium.

14. Italian One-Pot Caprese Pasta

Light pasta with a fresh tomato-basil sauce.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Cherry tomatoes2 cupsSweet flavor
Fresh mozzarella1 cupCreamy topping
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Fresh basil1/4 cupHerb flavor
Olive oil2 tbspCooking base
Chicken broth2 cupsCooking liquid
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice
Basil1 tbspGarnish

Cooking Method

In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and cook 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute. Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cups chicken broth and 8 oz bow tie pasta, simmering for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender. Add 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella, stirring until melted. Garnish with 1 tbsp basil for an Italian-inspired dish (Diethood).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 15g protein, 15g fat, 45g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.

15. Italian Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Vibrant pasta with a balsamic-tomato glaze.

Ingredients

IngredientQuantityPurpose
Bow tie pasta8 ozPasta base
Chicken breast1 lbProtein base
Cherry tomatoes1 cupSweet flavor
Balsamic glaze1/4 cupTangy glaze
Garlic2 clovesAromatic base
Fresh basil1/4 cupHerb flavor
Olive oil1 tbspCooking base
Salt1 tspFlavor enhancer
Parmesan1/4 cupGarnish
Black pepper1/2 tspSubtle spice

Cooking Method

In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and cook 1 lb diced chicken breast with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper for 5 minutes until browned. Rest chicken for 10 minutes. In the same skillet, cook 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup balsamic glaze and 1/4 cup chopped basil, simmering for 2 minutes. Toss with 8 oz cooked bow tie pasta and chicken. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for an Italian-inspired dish (Diethood).

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 30g protein, 10g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium.


Cooking Tips for Bow Tie Pasta

Selecting Bow Tie Pasta

Choose high-quality farfalle made from durum wheat for the best texture. Opt for bronze-cut varieties for better sauce adhesion, as noted in our Sauce Recipes (Serious Eats).

Enhancing Flavor

Pair bow tie pasta with bold global ingredients like garlic, lemon, or feta to enhance its mild flavor. Use fresh herbs or tangy dressings for vibrant salads.

Cooking Techniques

Cook pasta al dente to maintain its shape, about 10-12 minutes. For salads, rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Use one-pot methods to simplify cleanup.


Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Presentation Ideas

Serve bow tie pasta in colorful bowls with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a global aesthetic. Use rustic platters for salads or chips to evoke worldwide cuisines.

Beverage Pairings

Pair with an Italian Pinot Grigio, Greek retsina, or American iced tea to complement the diverse flavors, as featured in our Drinks.

Side Dishes

Serve with a Caesar salad or garlic bread for balance, and finish with our Mango Cheesecake Spring Rolls for dessert.


Video Tutorial

Master bow tie pasta dishes with this inspiring video, adaptable to our global recipes for perfect results.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Bow Tie Pasta So Popular?

Bow tie pasta’s playful shape and ability to hold sauces make it a family-friendly favorite across global cuisines, from creamy dishes to light salads.

Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?

Yes, but farfalle’s unique shape is ideal for gripping sauces and adding visual appeal; substitutes like penne may alter texture.

How Do I Prevent Bow Tie Pasta from Sticking?

Boil in plenty of salted water, stir occasionally, and rinse with cold water for salads to prevent sticking.

Are These Recipes Suitable for Dietary Restrictions?

Many, like the Garlic-Butter Spinach Pasta or Greek Pasta Salad, are vegetarian or adaptable for gluten-free diets with gluten-free pasta, as seen in our Vegetarian Recipes.

Which Global Bow Tie Pasta Dish Will You Try First?

Italian Garlic-Butter Pasta Greek Pasta Salad American Chicken Alfredo

Vote and share your global creation on Facebook with #MangoesPalmTrees!


Conclusion

These **15 best bow tie pasta recipes** from *Mangoes and Palm Trees* transform the charming farfalle into a global culinary celebration, from Italian Garlic-Butter Spinach and Pasta to Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pasta Salad. With unique recipes drawing on worldwide traditions, these **global pasta dishes** offer easy, nutritious, and vibrant options for family dinners, quick snacks, or special occasions. Experiment with global flavors and pasta shapes, share your creations on Facebook with #MangoesPalmTrees, and explore more at our Recipes or Desserts. Discover your culinary style at our Personality Quiz Hub. Bon appétit!

We’d Love to Hear From You! Thank you for visiting Mangoes and Palm Trees! Please keep comments kind and respectful—happy commenting! 😊

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