Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Bowtie Pasta recipe, a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Featuring tender bowtie pasta coated in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and simple elegance. Hints of Italian seasoning and a touch of nutmeg elevate the sauce, while optional fresh spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta dish is a family favorite that can be customized to your liking. Garnished with vibrant fresh parsley, it’s a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for fans of creamy pasta, quick dinner recipes, and one-skillet meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and combined.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the butter and garlic. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
If using fresh spinach, stir it into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2733 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.0 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.1 g | 400% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 386 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 4113 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.2 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.2 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.0 g | ||
| Protein | 80.6 g | 161% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1178 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1496 mg | 32% | |
*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.
