14 Easy Bow Tie Pasta Recipes for a Fast Dinner Tonight

Packed with flavor, these bow tie pasta recipes are the perfect addition to your potlucks, picnics, and dinners.

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach
Photo: Andy Lyons

When you want a quick pasta recipe that looks great in a bowl, casserole, or skillet, turn to these bow tie pasta recipes to have dinner on the table in a flash. Bow tie pasta, often labeled as “farfalle” (its Italian name), can handle even the chunkiest of sauces by trapping and holding on to flavor with its folds and grooved edges. Whether its a piping hot pasta dish that steaming with bold flavor, a vegetarian pasta bowl that’s bursting with fresh veggies, or a creamy bow tie pasta salad recipe that’s full of herbs, veggies and cheese, you’ll find these easy, bow tie pasta recipes to be a cinch to toss together for potlucks, picnics, and dinners.

01 of 14

Antipasti Bow Ties

Antipasti Bow Ties

Get the first course of your meal started with this bow tie pasta salad recipe. It’s light and easy and is one of summer’s quintessential sides. Served chilled and tossed with an Italian vinaigrette, you’ll love how easy it is to transport this delicious dish to a picnic or summer get-together.

02 of 14

Copycat Bowtie Festival

Copycat Johnny Carino's Bowtie Festival

Get ready! This might become one of your favorite bow tie pasta recipes with chicken. The copycat recipe tastes like the popular creamy chicken pasta dish that is popular at Johnny Carino’s, an authentic Italian restaurant with locations throughout the United States. The rustic flavor combination of chicken, bacon, garlic, onions, and cream sauce is irresistible.

03 of 14

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach

Farfalle with Mushrooms and Spinach
Andy Lyons

There’s no need to stress. You can easily make this 20-minute meal because farfalle is simply the Italian term for bow tie pasta. This vegetarian pasta recipe is one of our most popular and highest rated recipes. The combination of fresh mushrooms and spinach, tangy sautéed garlic, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese is what makes this dish so special.

04 of 14

BLT Pasta Salad

BLT Pasta Salad
Matthew Clark

Here’s one of the must-have potluck side dish recipes. It combines summer’s best sandwich ingredients—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—with bow tie pasta and a creamy dressing. In just 20 minutes this bow tie pasta salad recipe is ready for your next party or family meal.

05 of 14

Avocado Basil Pasta

Avocado Basil Pasta
Kim Cornelison

Experience the buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor of avocados as they combine with basil and bacon in this easy bow tie pasta recipe. A garlicky mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper drizzled over the pasta gives the entire dish a bit of extra zip. Don’t forget to top this 30-minute dinner with shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.

06 of 14

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad
Matthew Clark

This chilled pasta salad with Italian dressing and mozzarella cheese combines all of your favorite pizza toppings. The vibrant colors of pepperoni, peppers, and tomatoes makes this summery salad a visual-appealing side dish that will steal the spotlight. So grab your leftover pizza toppings and start assembling this picnic-perfect recipe for dinner tonight.

07 of 14

Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Salad

Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Salad
Andy Lyons

Fresh tomatoes and mushrooms roasted in garlic and oregano will make this healthy pasta salad an automatic hit at your potluck or picnic. Just toss in the cannellini beans and a handful of fresh basil to give this bow tie pasta salad recipe fresh flavor in every bite. You’re going to love how easy this side dish comes together.

08 of 14

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake

Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake
Sue Mitchell

Here’s a baked pasta recipe that is like a filling, meaty version of spinach artichoke dip. Bow tie pasta combined with chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, tomatoes and cheese makes for an ultimate warm and cozy dinner. A golden bread crumb topping is the finishing touch on this colorful pasta dish.

09 of 14

Pasta with Swiss Chard

Pasta with Swiss Chard
Blaine Moats

This pasta with swiss chard and tomatoes tastes decadent with its ricotta sauce and sprinkles of shredded Parmesan. It’s one of our healthy dinner ideas for two that makes it easy to spend a date night at home without an overload of leftovers. So get started and you’ll have dinner on the table in 35 minutes.

10 of 14

Ham-and-Asparagus Pasta

Ham-and-Asparagus Pasta

Meal prep is simple with this easy pasta recipe. Asparagus, ham, cream cheese, and milk combine for a delicious bow tie recipe that’s on your table in less than 20 minutes. Garnish it with fresh chives for a pop of added color and flavor. 

11 of 14

Quick Pasta Toss with Peas and Artichokes

Pasta Toss with Peas and Artichokes on white serving platter
Brie Passano

Here’s a lighter pasta dish that’s tossed with peas, artichoke hearts, and tomatoes. Doused in a bright sauce with olive oil and lemon juice, the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. Use leftover ham from your Sunday dinner to add a protein boost to this fast pasta recipe.

12 of 14

Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese
Jason Donnelly

In the mood for a bold-flavored bow tie pasta recipe? Try this easy, creamy Cajun chicken pasta with a crumb topping. Chicken, stir-fry vegetables, tomato, and a cheesy sauce are combined with Cajun seasoning, garlic, hot pepper sauce, and thyme for a seasoned pasta that’s packed with flavor.

13 of 14

Veggie Farfalle with Mediterranean Meatballs

Veggie Farfalle with Mediterranean Meatballs
Blaine Moats

This easy Mediterranean dinner recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. Seasoned meatballs made with chicken, tomatoes, and garlic are baked with green beans and mushrooms and tossed with bow tie pasta drizzled in olive oil and Parmesan. Garnish with basil leaves to complete a picture-perfect meal.

14 of 14

One-Pot Giardiniera-Pepperoni Pasta

One-Pot Giardiniera-Pepperoni Pasta
Kelsey Hansen

When you can’t decide if you want pizza or pasta for dinner, choose to make this one-pot pasta recipe. It combines the best of both recipes into one easy meal. Pizza sauce, tomato paste, pepperoni, and giardiniera (an Italian relish of pickled vegetables) gives this dish its signature pizza flavor. With only 20 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles