Classic Italian Farfalle Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups farfalle pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Add the farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Stir well and cook until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet and stir to combine it with the veggies.
  7. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and veggies. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
  8. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
  9. Garnish the farfalle pasta with the chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - For boiling the pasta
  • Skillet - For cooking the vegetables and pasta
  • Knife - For mincing garlic, chopping onion, and slicing cherry tomatoes
  • Cutting board - To safely chop and prepare ingredients
  • Grater - For grating Parmesan cheese
  • Spatula - For stirring and combining the ingredients
  • Tongs - To toss and serve the pasta
  • Colander - For draining the cooked pasta

Recipe variations

  • Replace farfalle pasta with a different type of pasta such as penne or fusilli.
  • Add cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a protein-packed dish.
  • Include sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or goat cheese.
  • Use a different type of sauce like pesto or alfredo instead of marinara.
  • Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Try sprinkling some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Replace the spinach with arugula or kale for a different taste and texture.
  • Add roasted garlic cloves for a rich and smoky flavor.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for a classic and deliciously simple dish: Farfalle pasta. This pasta, known for its signature bow tie shape, is paired with a medley of fresh vegetables including garlic, onion, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, all sautéed in olive oil. The dish is then tossed in a rich marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil, delivering a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Topped off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is not only easy to prepare, but also filled with nutritious ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests with, this farfalle pasta recipe is an excellent choice.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the pasta shape.
  2. Can I substitute the marinara sauce with a different sauce?
    Certainly! If you prefer a different sauce, feel free to substitute it with your favorite tomato-based or creamy sauce.
  3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
    To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure that the marinara sauce you use does not contain any meat or meat products. If you want to make it vegan, use a vegan-friendly pasta, skip the Parmesan cheese, and ensure that the marinara sauce does not contain any animal products.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
    Absolutely! This recipe can be customized to your liking. You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. How can I reheat the leftovers?
    To reheat the leftovers, you can either microwave them or heat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    While it's best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Keep the cooked pasta separate from the sauce and veggies, then combine and heat them together when needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For boiling the pasta.
  • Skillet - To cook the vegetables and combine the pasta with the sauce.
  • Spatula - To stir and toss the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Colander - For draining the cooked pasta.
  • Grater - To grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Chopping board - To chop the onion and fresh basil.
  • Knife - For mincing garlic and chopping vegetables.

Origin stories

Farfalle, the Italian word for "butterflies," is a type of pasta that is commonly known as "bow tie pasta" due to its unique shape. It originated in the 16th century in the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions of Northern Italy. The pasta was designed to be a fun, attractive dish that also held onto rich, hearty sauces well. The story goes that housewives wanted to create a pasta shape to entertain their children, and after some innovation, they came up with a way to pinch the pasta in the middle to create the bow tie shape. This shape was hit amongst children, and soon, it gained popularity across Italy and eventually the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.