Bow Tie Pasta Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. View my privacy policy and disclosure policy for more details.

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.

 

Table of Contents

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 brings this sauce to life and makes it taste as good as it should. The fresh basil really just adds a little more flavor and color, plus it is a classic Italian touch.

Ingredient Notes

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 the best melting results.
• Basil Leaves – last but not least, basil leaves! Slice them thin and enjoy their fresh taste.

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 a 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 (it gives everything plenty of room to cook and makes stirring easier) 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 the 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!

Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

A few simple kitchen tools make this Bow Tie Pasta recipe quick and easy to prepare.

• Large skillet – A large skillet gives you plenty of room to brown the sausage and toss the bow tie pasta with the sauce without overcrowding the pan.
• Prep bowls – Small prep bowls keep the chopped onion, garlic, and seasonings organized so everything is ready to add when you start cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately portion the broth, cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings for consistent results every time.
• Grater – A grater is perfect for freshly shredding Parmesan cheese, which melts more smoothly into the creamy sauce than pre-shredded cheese.

Tips for Success

These simple tips will help you make this Bow Tie Pasta recipe creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.

• Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking slightly when you toss it with the sauce, so this keeps it from becoming soft.
• Brown the sausage well. Let it develop a deep golden color before moving on. Those browned bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, giving you a creamy, lump-free sauce.
• Keep the heat low after adding the cream and cheese. High heat can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
• Save some pasta water before draining. Stir in a splash if the sauce thickens too much after adding the pasta. It helps create a silky sauce that coats every piece of bow tie pasta.

What to Serve with Bow Tie Pasta

This creamy Bow Tie Pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better. Here are some favorites to serve alongside it:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy Parmesan sauce.
• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing balance the rich pasta.
• Roasted Green Beans – An easy side dish that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pair well with the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Asparagus – A quick side dish that complements the savory sausage and Parmesan flavors.
• Sous Vide Chicken Breasts – A juicy, tender protein that pairs well with the creamy Parmesan sauce, if you want to make the meal even more filling.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerate: Let the Bow Tie Pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing, but they’ll come back together as they reheat.

Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Bow Tie Pasta 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.

More Classic Pasta Recipes to Try!

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

I hope you love this easy pasta recipe as much as we do. 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 would give 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.