Bow Tie Pasta Recipe - 20 Minute Meal! - Lauren's Latest (2024)

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I love a simple and fast weeknight meal and Bow Tie Pasta recipes absolutely fit the bill. The bow ties are cooked and then tossed with a creamy tomato sauce with parmesan cheese and fresh basil. SO SO good. Ready in 20 minutes and delicious served with Garlic Bread and Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad.

A Quick and Easy Dinner

I love sharing recipes that I make all the time but never think to share on my blog. This is one of those recipes! One of our favorite Bow Tie Pasta Recipes at my house is a creamy tomato pasta dish that comes together in 20 minutes or less. It’s a no-fuss recipe that tastes delicious. My simple creamy sauce is simply garlic, canned tomatoes, heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Adding a touch of sugar and a healthy bit of salt bring this sauce to life and make it taste as good as it should. The fresh basil really just adds a little more flavor and color, plus is a classic Italian touch.

Main Ingredients Needed

You don’t need much to make this Bow Tie Pasta recipe, with a few helpful store-bought ingredients you’ll have this ready in a jiffy!

• Bow Tie Pasta – also known as farfalle or butterfly pasta. These hold the sauce quite perfectly, plus they are a fun pasta shape for kids.
• Garlic – tasty garlic to start off this dish.
• Tomatoes – I made this recipe fast and easy by using canned diced tomatoes! Use the petite diced if you have picky eaters.
• Sugar – this is to help cut the acidity of the canned tomatoes.
• Heavy Cream – this adds creaminess to the sauce.
• Parmesan – use fresh hand grated parmesan for best melting results.
• Basil Leaves – last but not least, is basil leaves! Slice them thin and enjoy their fresh taste.

Bow Tie Pasta Recipes Variations

I originally made this Bow Tie Pasta to be vegetarian, but if you are a meat eater, don’t let that stop you from adding some protein. Here are a few ideas:

• Italian Sausage
• Smoked Sausage
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Rotisserie chicken would work great here!)
• Ground Beef

Or if you’re looking for more vegetables to add try wilting some spinach while cooking or slice up some mushrooms and cook with the garlic! If you want to add more spice, try red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

How to Make Bow Tie Pasta

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and one the whole family will love! It’s quickly become a family favorite in this house! For full details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below.

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook bow tie pasta until al dente and drain. Set aside.

Pro Tip: Check with the package directions for specific cooking time. Usually al dente is 2 minutes less than fully cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic until fragrant. Pour in a can of diced tomatoes with sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.

Pour in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir to melt. Taste and adjust seasonings. It may need more sugar and/or salt, depending on how acidic your tomatoes were. Typically, you will need a little bit of both.

Step 3: Top with Basil

Add hot pasta and stir to coat in parmesan cream sauce. Add chopped basil and stir. Serve hot!

Storing Leftovers

This creamy Bow Tie Pasta recipe is one of those easy recipes that is a double winner. Not only does it make a fast and easy dinner but it also saves well! Simply store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days! The sauce might not seem as creamy right out of the fridge, but simply add a splash of water into your bowl or container before microwaving to get that “saucy” pasta back. It works like a charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Classic Pasta Recipes to Try!

• Homemade Alfredo Sauce
• Baked Rigatoni Pasta
• Gluten Free Pasta with Spaghetti Meat Sauce
• Literally the BEST Lasagna Recipe Ever
• Roasted Tomatoes Pasta

More Favorites from Lauren’s Latest

I hope you love this easy pasta recipe as much as we enjoy it. Be sure to add it to your regular rotation because I know you’ll want to make this again and again. The printable recipe card is down below, enjoy.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.