Delicious Farfalle Pasta with Pesto Sauce: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe 2024

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.

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:

1. Toasting the pine nuts lightly before blending them into the pesto sauce can enhance their nutty flavor.
2. If you prefer a thinner consistency for the pesto sauce, add a little extra olive oil while blending.
3. 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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