Hosting a large gathering or planning a community event can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to feeding a crowd. If you’re looking for a delicious, colorful, and wholesome dish that pleases vegetarians and omnivores alike, this Bow Tie Vegetable Pasta Recipe for 50 People is your go-to solution.
Bursting with fresh vegetables, vibrant herbs, and tender bow tie pasta, this recipe combines simplicity with robust flavors to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Perfect for potlucks, family reunions, or corporate events, this recipe scales up effortlessly without compromising taste or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned caterer or a home cook stepping up to the challenge, our step-by-step guide will ensure you deliver a memorable dish that everyone will rave about.
Let’s dive into this delightful pasta recipe that balances health, flavor, and ease of preparation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bow tie vegetable pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes. It’s nutritious, incorporating a medley of fresh vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals.
The bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, offers a fun shape that holds sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful and enjoyable.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily swap or add vegetables based on seasonality or preference, making it adaptable to any occasion or dietary requirement.
Plus, it’s designed to be cooked in bulk, saving you time and minimizing stress when feeding a large group.
Lastly, this dish can be made vegan or vegetarian with ease, ensuring inclusivity at your table. For more wonderful large-batch vegetarian recipes, check out our Cheap Bulk Vegetarian Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.
Ingredients
- 8 kg bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 liters olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 5 kg mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
- 4 kg zucchini, diced
- 3 kg cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 kg carrots, thinly sliced or julienned
- 2.5 kg broccoli florets
- 1.5 kg red onions, thinly sliced
- 1.5 kg spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 300 g fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 200 g fresh parsley, chopped
- 500 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 kg vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for garnish
Equipment
- Large industrial-sized pots (minimum 3 x 12L capacity)
- Colanders or large strainers
- Large mixing bowls or catering trays
- Commercial stovetop or multiple burners
- Large wooden or silicone stirring spoons
- Chef’s knives and cutting boards
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large serving spoons and tongs
- Heatproof gloves or pot holders
- Storage containers for leftovers
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Dice the bell peppers and zucchini, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the carrots and onions, chop the spinach, basil, and parsley, and separate broccoli into florets.
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Drain and rinse pasta: Using a colander, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil to keep it separated.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced onions first, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the firm vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli florets. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add cherry tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
- Combine pasta and vegetables: In a large mixing bowl or catering tray, combine the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables. Drizzle the lemon juice and remaining olive oil over the mixture.
- Season and garnish: Season generously with salt and black pepper. Add chopped basil and parsley and toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast over the pasta for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Serve: Transfer to serving trays or chafing dishes to keep warm. This pasta can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for buffet-style events.
Tips & Variations
For best results, prepare the vegetables a day ahead to save time on the event day.
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to substitute or add seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms depending on availability.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta to accommodate guests with gluten sensitivities.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a subtle kick.
- Protein boost: Toss in cooked chickpeas or white beans to add extra protein, perfect for vegan or vegetarian meal plans.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a batch of Cauliflower Vegan Cheese Sauce to turn this into a creamy pasta dish.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 8 g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil) |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 80% DV* |
| Vitamin C | 90% DV* |
| Iron | 15% DV* |
*DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Serving Suggestions
This bow tie vegetable pasta shines as a standalone main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
For a heartier meal, a side of grilled tofu or baked falafel can complement the pasta wonderfully. If you’re aiming to incorporate more plant-based dishes, explore our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration.
Conclusion
Preparing a flavorful and nutritious meal for 50 people may seem daunting, but this bow tie vegetable pasta recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing taste or quality. Its vibrant mix of vegetables and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a versatile dish suitable for any event, from casual gatherings to formal dinners.
By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you can confidently serve a dish that satisfies diverse palates while keeping preparation manageable. Plus, its adaptability allows you to customize the recipe to suit dietary needs or seasonal produce availability.
For more wholesome and delicious vegetarian recipes perfect for large groups, explore our extensive recipe collection, including Cheap Bulk Vegetarian Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals and Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your guests with this delightful bow tie vegetable pasta!
📖 Recipe Card: Bow Tie Vegetable Pasta
Description: A colorful and healthy pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta and fresh vegetables. Perfect for serving a large group with vibrant flavors and simple preparation.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 50 servings
Ingredients
- 5 kg bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2.5 liters marinara sauce
- 2.5 kg zucchini, diced
- 2.5 kg bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 2.5 kg cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1.25 kg carrots, shredded
- 500 g red onions, finely chopped
- 500 ml olive oil
- 250 g fresh basil, chopped
- 200 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bow tie pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and red onions until fragrant and translucent.
- Add zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and cook until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce.
- Mix in chopped basil and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve topped with remaining Parmesan.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 55 g
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