Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Pesto Infusion
Indulge in this delightful Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Pesto Infusion, a dish that beautifully combines fresh, aromatic basil pesto with sautéed garlic and pine nuts. This vibrant meal is perfect for any occasion and can be served warm or at room temperature. It showcases the robust flavors of garlic and the creaminess of feta cheese, enhanced by the freshness of tomatoes and the richness of Parmesan. Ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners, this dish will be a culinary star on your table and the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (extra virgin, for sautéing)
Minced garlic
4 cloves (fresh)
Pine nuts
1/2 cup (lightly toasted)
Bow tie pasta
1 pound (uncooked)
Basil pesto
about 1 tablespoon (store-bought or homemade)
Tomatoes
2 cups (seeded and diced)
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (for garnish)
Feta cheese
1 cup (crumbled, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to package directions, making sure to generously salt the water for flavor.
2
Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
3
In a small skillet, combine the olive oil and minced garlic over moderate heat.
4
Stir the garlic frequently to prevent it from browning, allowing it to release its fragrant aroma.
5
Add the toasted pine nuts to the skillet and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are firm but tender and golden.
6
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pine nut and garlic mixture, tossing to distribute evenly.
7
Gently stir in the basil pesto, ensuring that the pasta is lightly and evenly coated.
8
Fold in the diced tomatoes, fresh grated Parmesan, and crumbled feta cheese, mixing lightly to combine all ingredients.
9
Serve the pasta warm or allow it to come to room temperature for a refreshing dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Pesto Infusion?
It is a vibrant pasta dish that combines fresh basil pesto with sautéed garlic, toasted pine nuts, tomatoes, and a blend of Parmesan and feta cheeses.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of uncooked bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
Is Savory Bow Tie Pasta with Garlic Pesto Infusion vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include olive oil, minced garlic, pine nuts, bow tie pasta, basil pesto, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and feta cheese.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be fresh and minced before being sautéed in extra virgin olive oil.
Should the pine nuts be toasted before use?
The recipe suggests using lightly toasted pine nuts which are then sautéed until firm but tender and golden.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seeded and diced before being added to the pasta mixture.
Which cheeses are used as a garnish?
The dish is garnished with one cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and one cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions, ensuring the water is generously salted for flavor.
Can this pasta dish be served cold?
Yes, this dish can be served warm or allowed to come to room temperature for a refreshing variation.
How much olive oil is required for sautéing?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What heat setting should I use for the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed over moderate heat to prevent it from browning while releasing its aroma.
Is this a quick and easy recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a 'quick & easy' recipe suitable for casual dinners.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of fresh minced garlic.
How much basil pesto is used?
The recipe uses about 1 tablespoon of basil pesto to lightly coat the pasta.
What is the role of pine nuts in this recipe?
Pine nuts provide a nutty flavor and a firm but tender texture to the dish.
Can this dish be considered comfort food?
Yes, the description identifies this meal as the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers.
When do I add the pesto?
Gently stir in the basil pesto after combining the cooked pasta with the garlic and pine nut mixture.
Why should I salt the pasta water?
Salting the water is recommended to ensure the pasta is properly seasoned during the cooking process.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for sautéing the garlic and pine nuts.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family gatherings and is labeled as a family recipe.
How are the tomatoes and cheeses incorporated?
They are folded in lightly at the end of the preparation to combine with the other ingredients.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
While it contains pasta, the recipe is curiously tagged with 'low carbs'.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this recipe.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of seeded and diced tomatoes.
Can I substitute another pasta shape for bow ties?
Yes, although bow ties are the star, you can substitute other similar pasta shapes if needed.
How much Parmesan and feta are used?
The recipe calls for one cup of each cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it can be served at room temperature, it is a versatile choice for prep-ahead meals.