Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes
This Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes is a delightful medley of flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Fresh, vibrant ingredients come together in this dish, showcasing the beautiful green of steamed broccoli and the burst of sweetness from halved cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a rich blend of olive oil and butter, enhanced by aromatic garlic, this pasta dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Serve it with your favorite crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese for a truly delightful meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (measured)
butter
3 tablespoons (measured)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
bow tie pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
fresh broccoli florets
3-4 cups (washed and trimmed)
cherry tomatoes
2 cups (washed and halved)
fresh parmesan cheese
to taste (grated)
salt
to taste (measured)
pepper
to taste (measured)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3
In a large skillet, combine the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter is fully melted.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
5
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the butter and oil mixture.
6
Next, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
7
Finally, add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
9
Finish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for added richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli and Cherry Tomatoes?
It is a quick and nutritious vegetarian pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta, fresh broccoli, and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed in a garlic butter and olive oil sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
Can I substitute the bow tie pasta with another shape?
Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini if bow tie pasta is unavailable.
What are the primary vegetables in this dish?
The main vegetables are 3 to 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 2 cups of cherry tomatoes.
How do I prepare the broccoli for this recipe?
The broccoli should be washed, trimmed into florets, and then steamed in a steamer basket for 4 to 5 minutes until fork-tender.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be washed and halved before being sautéed in the skillet.
What fats are used for the sauce?
The sauce is created using 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the best way to sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic in the olive oil and butter for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown or burn.
When do I add the pasta to the skillet?
The drained, cooked pasta is added to the skillet after the garlic has become fragrant, to be tossed and coated in the oil and butter.
How long do I sauté the tomatoes?
Sauté the halved cherry tomatoes for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
The final step is to toss the steamed broccoli into the skillet with the other ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through.
What cheese is recommended for this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended to be sprinkled over each serving for added richness.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; however, ensure it is steamed or thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
How do I season this pasta?
Season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal featuring fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber from the broccoli.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
What should I serve with this pasta?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light side salad.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, or use a microwave.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make excellent protein additions to this pasta.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is the desired texture for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this dish.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use diced regular tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and ability to hold their shape.
Is this a one-skillet meal?
While the final assembly happens in one skillet, you will need a pot to boil the pasta and a steamer for the broccoli.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
Yes, fresh basil or parsley would be a great addition to enhance the flavors.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The recipe contains butter and cheese, which contribute some cholesterol, but specific nutritional values are not provided.