Bow Tie Pasta Recipes With Vegetables for Healthy Meals

Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a versatile and visually charming pasta shape that pairs beautifully with colorful vegetables. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or impress guests with a vibrant, healthy dish, bow tie pasta with vegetables offers a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition.

In this blog post, I’ll share several delicious recipes featuring this charming pasta, combined with fresh, seasonal vegetables that bring out the best in every bite. From creamy sauces to zesty olive oil dressings, these recipes are designed to be accessible, satisfying, and adaptable to your pantry staples.

What makes bow tie pasta recipes with vegetables so appealing? They are easy to prepare, customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand, and perfect for both vegan and vegetarian diets.

Plus, they make great leftovers and can be served warm or cold as a pasta salad. Let’s dive in and explore some mouthwatering recipes that will become staples in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bow tie pasta with vegetables is a fantastic meal option for several reasons. First, the unique shape of farfalle holds sauces and ingredients wonderfully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

This recipe is also nutrient-dense, thanks to an abundance of fresh vegetables, which add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, these recipes are straightforward and quick, perfect for busy lifestyles. They can easily be adapted to be vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy them.

Lastly, they’re colorful and inviting, encouraging even kids to dive into their veggies!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional, for tossing pasta)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: 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 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the veggies: Add chopped zucchini, red bell pepper, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
5. Toss pasta with vegetables: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with lemon juice and fresh basil. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
6. Optional finishing touches: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or vegan cheese if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra basil or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Enjoy your vibrant, healthy meal!

Tips & Variations

Tip: Use seasonal vegetables like asparagus in spring or butternut squash in autumn to keep this recipe fresh all year round!

• Make it vegan: Skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative like nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese.
• Add protein: Include chickpeas, white beans, or tofu for a more filling dish.
• Use different sauces: Try a light pesto, a lemon-tahini dressing, or a simple olive oil and garlic sauce for variety.
• Make it a pasta salad: Chill the pasta with veggies and toss with a vinaigrette for a refreshing cold dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Bow tie pasta with vegetables is a flexible dish that can be served on its own or paired with other favorites. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread.

It also pairs well with light soups or roasted vegetables.

For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. Leftovers work great for packed lunches or picnic meals, especially when served cold as a pasta salad.

Want more vegetarian pasta inspiration? Check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals for creative ideas.

Delicious Bow Tie Pasta Recipes with Vegetables

Creamy Avocado Bow Tie Pasta with Spinach and Peas

This recipe uses ripe avocados to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Fresh spinach and peas add a vibrant green color and sweetness.

• Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, 2 ripe avocados, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup peas, 2 cloves garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Cook pasta; blend avocado, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil into a smooth sauce; toss pasta with sauce, spinach, and peas; season and serve.

Learn more about creamy vegan sauces in our Cauliflower Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe for Easy Dips.

Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

Roasted eggplant, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes combine with olives and fresh herbs to create a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish full of flavor and texture.

• Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, garlic, oregano, basil, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Roast vegetables with garlic and herbs; cook pasta; toss together with olives and fresh basil; drizzle with olive oil.

For more Mediterranean inspiration, check out 5 Ingredient Mediterranean Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore.

Spicy Bow Tie Pasta with Broccoli, Bell Pepper, and Chilli Oil

A fiery twist on the classic pasta and veggies combo, enhanced with homemade chili oil and garlic. This dish is perfect for spice lovers looking for a quick, bold meal.

• Ingredients: Bow tie pasta, broccoli florets, red bell pepper, garlic, red chili flakes, olive oil, lemon juice, salt.
• Instructions: Cook pasta; sauté broccoli and bell pepper with garlic and chili flakes; combine with pasta and drizzle with lemon juice.

Make your own chili blend to spice things up with our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Conclusion

Bow tie pasta recipes with vegetables offer a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious, colorful, and delicious meal any day of the week. These recipes are flexible enough to suit a variety of dietary preferences and are simple enough for cooks of all skill levels.

The combination of fresh vegetables and bow tie pasta creates a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients.

Whether you lean towards creamy avocado sauces, roasted Mediterranean flavors, or spicy chili-infused dishes, bow tie pasta is a fantastic base to showcase the best of your favorite veggies. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonal produce and your preferred herbs and spices to make these recipes uniquely yours.

For more inspiration to add to your vegetarian repertoire, explore our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals. Happy cooking!

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