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.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.

Step 4

Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4948.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2049.2

Total Fat 73.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 1422.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 281.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 26.8g
Protein 82.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1067.9mg	0%
Iron 7.4mg	0%
Potassium 2212.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.1%

Protein: 15.6%

Carbs: 53.3%