Garlic Lemon Bowtie Pasta
Introduction
Garlic Lemon Bowtie Pasta is a colorful and flavorful Italian pasta dish made with bowtie pasta, fresh lemon juice, garlic, butter, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. The combination of bright lemon, savory Parmesan, buttery garlic, and vegetables makes this an easy and satisfying vegetarian pasta recipe for a family meal or weeknight dinner.
Watch the Video
Watch Vito’s step-by-step video to see how to make this Garlic Lemon Bowtie Pasta at home, from preparing the ingredients to combining the pasta with lemon, garlic, butter, capers, tomatoes, peas, and Parmesan.
What Is Bowtie Pasta?
Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a pasta shape with a pinched center and wider edges that resemble a bow tie. Its shape makes it perfect for holding flavorful sauces, vegetables, and other ingredients.
For this recipe, Vito combines bowtie pasta with lemon, garlic, butter, capers, tomatoes, peas, Parmesan, and fresh basil for a simple Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Bowtie Pasta
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Butter
- Capers
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
How to Make Garlic Lemon Bowtie Pasta
1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil and butter.
2. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Mixture
Add fresh lemon juice to a bowl with garlic and melted butter. Mix to combine and create the flavorful base for the pasta.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the capers and some of their juice, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes, peas, and sliced cherry tomatoes.
4. Add Parmesan and Seasoning
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper according to taste. Add fresh basil for a final touch of flavor.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Serve
Transfer the garlic lemon bowtie pasta to a serving plate and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
What Does Bowtie Pasta Taste Like?
Bowtie pasta itself has a mild flavor, making it a great base for flavorful ingredients. In this recipe, lemon and garlic provide brightness, while butter and Parmesan add richness. Capers bring a slightly salty, tangy flavor, while peas, tomatoes, and fresh basil add freshness.
Tips for Making Bowtie Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions so it maintains its texture.
- Add lemon juice according to your preferred level of acidity.
- Don’t over-salt the dish because capers and Parmesan are already salty.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Toss the pasta thoroughly so the lemon, garlic, butter, vegetables, and Parmesan are distributed throughout the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bowtie pasta called?
Bowtie pasta is commonly known as farfalle, an Italian pasta shape with a pinched center and wider edges.
Is bowtie pasta vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian, as it uses pasta, vegetables, butter, Parmesan, lemon, garlic, and capers and does not contain meat.
What can I use instead of bowtie pasta?
If bowtie pasta is unavailable, another short pasta shape can be used. However, farfalle/bowtie pasta works particularly well for this recipe because its shape holds the other ingredients.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: Add verified serving quantity
Course: Main Course / Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian*
Difficulty: Add level
Calories/Nutrition: Add only if accurately calculated
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→ Vegetarian Recipes
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