Bow Tie Pasta and Veggies Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a delightful shape that adds a touch of elegance and fun to any dish. When combined with fresh, vibrant vegetables, it creates a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, this bow tie pasta and veggies recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Packed with crisp bell peppers, tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, this dish bursts with flavor and texture in every bite.

Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

This recipe not only celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients but also encourages you to enjoy a wholesome, plant-powered meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone wanting to add more veggies to their plate, this bowl of goodness is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bow tie pasta and veggies recipe combines convenience, nutrition, and taste in one pot. It’s quick to prepare, with fresh vegetables sautéed to perfection and tossed with al dente pasta.

The medley of veggies ensures a variety of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants that support your health.

The recipe is highly adaptable—you can swap out vegetables based on seasonality or what’s in your fridge. It’s also perfect for meal prep, reheating beautifully for next-day lunches.

Plus, it appeals to all ages and dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for families or dinner parties.

With simple pantry staples and minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a vibrant, delicious meal that feels both light and satisfying. If you love pasta dishes that are fresh, colorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the bell peppers, dice the zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and red chili flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
6. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta directly into the skillet with the vegetables.
7. Toss everything together over low heat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley for fresh herbal notes.
9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative if desired. Give it a final toss.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked chickpeas or white beans right before tossing the pasta and veggies.

Try swapping zucchini for asparagus or green beans when in season for a different flavor and texture.

If you prefer a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of vegan cream cheese or cashew cream at the end.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bow tie pasta varieties available at most grocery stores.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This bow tie pasta and veggies dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a side of crusty garlic bread for a more indulgent meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled tofu or tempeh.

For a fresh twist, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top right before serving to add a delightful crunch. Freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the flavors.

If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian pasta dishes, check out these favorites: Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals and Banza Pasta Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore.

Conclusion

Bow tie pasta and veggies combine to create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a comforting, flavorful pasta meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized.

The versatility of this recipe means you can experiment with different vegetables and herbs, making it your own signature dish. Its balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, and healthy fats ensures a well-rounded meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t forget to explore more vegetarian and vegan recipes like these for added inspiration: Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of this colorful, wholesome, and delicious bow tie pasta and veggies recipe!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bow Tie Pasta and Veggies Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and colorful dish combining bow tie pasta with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 oz bow tie pasta”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1 cup zucchini, diced”, “1 cup bell peppers, diced”, “1/2 cup red onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and red onion; saut\u00e9 for 2 minutes until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add zucchini and bell peppers; cook for 5 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}