Delightful Bow Tie Pasta with Sweet Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Bliss
Indulge in this delightful pasta dish that perfectly marries the savory tang of feta cheese with the sweet burst of fresh tomatoes and green grapes. This recipe showcases the unexpected yet wonderfully complementary flavor of grapes, bringing a sweet note that balances the richness of the feta and the robust flavors of basil and balsamic dressing. With just two simple steps, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also a showstopper, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Elevate your meal by serving it alongside beautifully pan-grilled asparagus, which adds a fresh crunch and a vibrant pop of green to your plate.
N/A
Servings
245
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked farfalle pasta
6 ounces (Measure and set aside.)
Grape tomatoes
2 cups (Halved.)
Green seedless grapes
1 cup (Halved.)
Fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup (Thinly sliced.)
White balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (Measure and set aside.)
Chopped shallots
2 tablespoons (Chop finely.)
Capers or green olives
2 teaspoons (Use capers or chop olives finely.)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (Measure.)
Minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (Minced.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Measure.)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Grind fresh.)
Extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons (Measure.)
Reduced-fat feta cheese
4 ounces (Crumble.)
Instructions
1
Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions, omitting any salt or fat. Once done, drain and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with halved grape tomatoes, halved green grapes, and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, tossing gently to combine.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, chopped shallots, capers (or chopped olives), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended. Gradually stream in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing.
4
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, tossing well to ensure an even coating. Gently fold in the crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese until evenly distributed.
5
To prepare the pan-grilled asparagus, combine 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper in a bowl with 1 pound of trimmed asparagus. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and coat it with cooking spray. Add the asparagus and grill for about 5 minutes, turning once, until tender and lightly charred.
6
Serve the bow tie pasta warm alongside the grilled asparagus for a complete, delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Delightful Bow Tie Pasta with Sweet Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Bliss.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Farfalle pasta, also known as bow tie pasta, is used for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 245 calories.
What kind of fruit is added to the pasta?
The recipe includes one cup of halved green seedless grapes for a sweet note.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian recipe.
What kind of cheese is used in the recipe?
Four ounces of crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese are used.
What side dish is suggested to serve with the pasta?
The pasta is best served with pan-grilled asparagus.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of vinegar is used in the vinaigrette?
White balsamic vinegar is used to make the dressing.
How do you prepare the fresh basil?
The fresh basil leaves should be thinly sliced before being added to the pasta.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
How should the grape tomatoes be prepared?
The grape tomatoes should be cut in half.
Can I substitute capers with something else?
Yes, you can use finely chopped green olives instead of capers.
How much pasta is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of uncooked farfalle pasta.
What is the carbohydrate content of this meal?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I grill the asparagus?
The asparagus should be grilled for about 5 minutes, turning once.
What kind of mustard is included in the dressing?
One teaspoon of Dijon mustard is used in the vinaigrette.
Does the recipe use garlic?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What ingredients are needed for the grilled asparagus?
You will need one pound of trimmed asparagus, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How many total ingredients are used in the pasta mixture?
There are 13 main ingredients including the items for the vinaigrette and the pasta.
Should I add salt to the pasta water?
The instructions recommend cooking the pasta according to package instructions but omitting salt or fat.
How do you emulsify the pasta dressing?
Whisk the vinegar and other aromatics while gradually streaming in the extra virgin olive oil.
How much shallot is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots.
When should the feta cheese be added?
The feta cheese should be gently folded in after the pasta has been tossed with the vinaigrette.
What temperature should the grill pan be?
The grill pan should be heated over medium-high heat.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer recipe because of the fresh tomatoes, grapes, and basil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The exact number of servings is not specified, but the nutritional data is provided per serving.
What gives the dish its 'burst' of flavor?
The combination of fresh grape tomatoes and green seedless grapes provides a sweet burst of flavor.
Can I use red balsamic vinegar?
While white balsamic is specified for a cleaner look and specific flavor, regular balsamic can be used as a substitute.
What is the primary oil used in this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both the vinaigrette and the asparagus.