Bowtie Pasta Primavera

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Bowtie Pasta Primavera

There’s just something about this Bowtie Pasta Primavera that brings sunshine to the table—even on the rainiest of days. I remember the first time I made it was after a week of heavy dinners, and I was craving something lighter but still comforting. I had a fridge full of vibrant veggies and a box of bowtie pasta just begging to be used. That night, this simple dish turned into a surprise hit with the whole family.

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrots, you can toss in just about any vegetable you have on hand. It’s the perfect end-of-week “clean-out-the-fridge” dinner that doesn’t taste like one. The creamy Parmesan garlic sauce ties it all together in the most satisfying way, making even the pickiest little ones go back for seconds—yes, even the ones who usually push vegetables around their plate!

It’s light enough for warm weather, cozy enough for cooler evenings, and fast enough for a busy weeknight. I often prep the veggies in the morning or the night before, and it all comes together in under 30 minutes. And let’s be honest—when dinner is this colorful and cheerful, it just puts everyone in a better mood. There’s a reason it’s in our regular dinner rotation, and once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll find its way into yours too.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best pasta substitute if I don’t have bowtie?
Penne, rotini, or fusilli work great—they all hold the sauce nicely and mix well with veggies.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plain unsweetened dairy-free creamer, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Is it okay to add protein?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are great additions.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

What You Need to Make Bowtie Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

1 zucchini, halved and sliced

1 small red onion, sliced thin

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup reserved pasta water

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools Needed:

Large pot for boiling pasta

Large skillet or sauté pan

Cutting board and knife

Wooden spoon or spatula

Colander

How to Make Bowtie Pasta Primavera

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, until slightly softened.

Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Add minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Make the Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and a creamy sauce forms. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. Let it simmer for a minute or two to absorb the flavors.

Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, topped with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Bowtie Pasta Primavera

Prep Ahead: Slice your veggies the night before and store them in an airtight container for a quick dinner fix.

Use What You Have: No zucchini? Swap with broccoli, asparagus, or even spinach.

Brighten It Up: Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to enhance the fresh flavors.

Cream-Free Option: You can use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter version.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if your family enjoys a little heat.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was the perfect dinner after a long day—fast, fresh, and flavorful. My kids didn’t even complain about the veggies!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty, but I think next time I’ll add some grilled chicken to make it heartier for my husband.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this using frozen veggies and it turned out fantastic. A definite keeper in our house.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor but wished the sauce was a bit thicker. I might use a bit more cheese next time.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a total win! Even my picky eater cleaned her plate. Thank you for a recipe I’ll use over and over!”

Printable Recipe

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