Farfalle pasta, often called “bow-tie pasta,” is a type of pasta that looks like little bow ties or butterflies. It’s pronounced as “far-fah-lay.” This pasta has a smooth texture and tastes great with various sauces, especially pesto sauce. Pesto sauce is a vibrant green sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a dash of salt. Combining farfalle with pesto creates a delightful and satisfying meal. It primarily tastes of fresh basil, which provides an herby and slightly peppery undertone. The garlic adds a pungent and aromatic element, while the Parmesan cheese contributes a salty and nutty flavor.
Table of Contents
Farfalle Pasta Recipe
Ingredients For Farfalle Pasta:
- 12 ounces of farfalle pasta
- Salt
- Water
Making Farfalle Pasta:
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add Farfalle Pasta: Carefully add the farfalle pasta to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Cook Al Dente: Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Drain and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and transfer it to a bowl or serving dish. Use immediately with your desired sauce.
Pesto Sauce Recipe
Ingredients for Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Making Pesto Sauce:
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and pat dry the fresh basil leaves. Peel the garlic cloves. Grate the Parmesan cheese if not already grated.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.
- Start Blending: Pulse the ingredients a few times to break them down. Then, while the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the feeding tube. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth and thick consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the prepared pesto sauce to a jar or bowl. Use it immediately as a sauce for pasta, sandwiches, or as a topping for various dishes. To store, cover the pesto sauce with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation, seal the container tightly, and refrigerate for up to a week.
Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked farfalle pasta with the freshly made pesto sauce until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to refresh the pasta.
Additional Tips:
- Toasting the pine nuts lightly before blending them into the pesto sauce can enhance their nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency for the pesto sauce, add a little extra olive oil while blending.
- Don’t rinse the cooked pasta after draining it, as this can wash away the starches that help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Yield, Prep time and Calories
- Yield: The recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time:
- Farfalle Pasta: 10 minutes (to boil)
- Pesto Sauce: 10 minutes (including prep and blending)
- Calories:The calorie count for Farfalle with Pesto can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. On average, a serving of Farfalle Pasta with Pesto Sauce ranges between 300-400 calories per serving.
| Details | Farfalle Pasta with Pesto Sauce |
|---|---|
| Yield | Approximately 4 servings |
| Prep Time | Farfalle Pasta: 10 minutes Pesto Sauce: 10 minutes |
| Calories (per serving) | Approximately 300-400 calories |
What to Serve with Farfalle Pasta and Pesto Sauce
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side. You can prepare it by toasting slices of bread with garlic butter for an aromatic and crunchy addition to the meal.
- Simple Green Salad: Prepare a fresh green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the pasta dish.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast slices or succulent shrimp to the dish. Season the protein with complementary herbs and spices for added flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast an assortment of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus. The roasted veggies add color, texture, and a savory touch to the meal.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta just before serving. It enhances the flavors and adds a delightful cheesy goodness to each bite.
Farfalle pasta with pesto sauce is a fantastic dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavors. Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal with family and friends!Delicious Farfalle with Pesto: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe
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FAQs
What does farfalle pasta taste like?
Farfalle has a mild flavor and a slightly chewy texture. Its shape allows it to hold onto sauces well, making it versatile and enjoyable with various flavors.
How do you pronounce “farfalle”?
Farfalle is pronounced as “far-fah-lay.”
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil for the pesto sauce?
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use approximately one-third the amount of dried basil compared to fresh basil.
How long can I store leftover Farfalle Pasta with Pesto Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to refresh the pasta.
Can I freeze pesto sauce?
Yes, you can freeze this sauce. Store it in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
What other dishes can I make using pesto sauce?
Pesto sauce is versatile. Use it as a sauce for sandwiches, as a topping for grilled meats or fish, mix it with roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip for bread.
Can I make pesto sauce without pine nuts?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or prefer an alternative, you can substitute pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds in the pesto sauce recipe.
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