Description
This vibrant Bowtie Pasta recipe combines al dente pasta with a fresh, garlicky tomato sauce, enhanced by the aromatic freshness of basil and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Italian-inspired meal that serves four in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 250 grams bowtie pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil, torn
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente as per package instructions.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to release their juices.
- Season Sauce: Season the tomato mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic and tomato sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a light, silky sauce coating the pasta.
- Add Fresh Basil and Cheese: Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and optionally garnish with extra olive oil and Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Adding a pinch of chili flakes during the garlic sauté can add a nice spicy kick.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the pasta.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger servings.
