Bow Tie Pasta with Zucchini Tomato and Basil
Bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Bow Tie Pasta with Zucchini, Tomato, and Basil is a quick and satisfying meal that celebrates the best of Mediterranean-inspired cooking. Perfectly al dente bow tie pasta is tossed with tender, golden zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant garlic, all brought to life with a generous handful of fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A touch of reserved pasta water ensures a luxuriously light sauce, while optional red pepper flakes add a delightful kick for spice lovers. Ready in just 30 minutes, this colorful dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or a casual summer gathering. Pair it with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 4 quarts water for boiling
Instructions
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the bow tie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2049 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.0 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.7 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 1422 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.7 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.3 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.8 g | ||
| Protein | 82.3 g | 165% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1068 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 2212 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
