This vibrant and fresh farfalle (bow-tie) pasta dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. The aromatic pesto sauce pairs beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp lettuce, making it a quick yet delicious meal for any occasion.
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 25 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 3
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 250g (9 oz) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup lettuce, roughly chopped (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 660 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 44g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used. Nutritients does not include optional..
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Make the Pesto Sauce:
- In a blender combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Gradually add olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Pasta:
- In a large skillet or mixing bowl, toss the cooked farfalle with the pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped lettuce.
Serve pasta:
- Divide the meal among serving plates.
- Sprinkle each plate with grated Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve immediately.
Serving Tip 💡:
Pair this dish with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light, zesty white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water infused with lemon makes an excellent accompaniment.
