Welcome to a tantalizing journey through the world of simple and flavorful pasta dishes with our Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta recipe. This dish marries the delicate flavor of bowtie pasta with the bold and rich notes of garlic and butter, creating a meal that is both comforting and gourmet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest (optional)
Equipments
- Large saucepan
- Skillet
- Colander
- Wooden spatula
- Grater
How to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10–12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander, making sure to shake off excess water. Reserve a cup of pasta water, which might be useful later in the recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pasta cooks, place a skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic in the butter, and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the garlic butter sauce in the skillet. Toss the pasta thoroughly until each piece is well-coated with the sauce. If the pasta looks dry, adjust by adding a little of the reserved pasta water. This will enhance the sauce’s consistency.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the pasta with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if desired. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. The cheese will melt slightly, enriching the dish. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve your Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta hot, and watch as it becomes an instant favorite at your table.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta dish as a standalone meal, or pair it with a light side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience. It also complements perfectly as a side dish with grilled chicken or salmon.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic can alter the intended taste.
- If you’re looking for a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Ensure your pasta is al dente before mixing it with the sauce to maintain the perfect texture.
Pumped Up Protein: Bowtie Pasta with Chicken
Transform this simple dish into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled or sautéed chicken pieces. Just cook the chicken separately and toss it into the pasta after combining it with the garlic butter sauce. This variant not only boosts the protein content but also complements the garlic butter flavors impeccably, making it perfect for a hearty dinner.
Low-Carb Alternative: Zucchini Bowtie Pasta Delight
For those watching their carb intake, swap out traditional bowtie pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles. Sauté the zucchini in a little olive oil before adding them to the garlic butter sauce. This alternative offers all the garlicky goodness while keeping the meal light and diet-friendly, ideal for maintaining balanced nutrition.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, consider adding a splash of water or broth before microwaving to keep the pasta moist. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the pasta can become compromised.
FAQs
- Question: Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Answer: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach enhances both the flavor and nutritional profile. - Question: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Answer: Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, like penne or fettuccine. - Question: How can I make this dish vegan?
Answer: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan cheese option. - Question: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Answer: Fresh garlic is recommended for flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Let’s Make Pasta Magic Happen!
We hope you enjoyed learning how to make this delicious Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta, a symphony of flavors that comes together in minutes. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is bound to impress family and friends alike. Don’t forget to leave a comment about your pasta-making experience or to share this recipe with fellow pasta lovers!
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- bowtie pasta
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon zest
Instructions
Steps
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta, cooking until al dente.
- In the meantime, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper and optional lemon zest, then stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley.