Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Cherry Tomatoes

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fast Feast

I absolutely love making this Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes, especially on warm evenings. It’s a quick dish that bursts with flavor while being effortless to prepare. The combination of vibrant cherry tomatoes and homemade pesto creates a delicious meal that is perfect for both family dinners and casual gatherings. Just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe allows us to enjoy fresh ingredients without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait to share this delightful pasta dish with all of you!

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:40:42.516Z

When I first decided to make Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes, I didn’t realize how quickly it would become a go-to recipe for me. The pesto, made with fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan, pairs so well with the sweet cherry tomatoes, creating an explosion of flavors. I’ve found that toasting the pine nuts beforehand really enhances the dish!

I remember hosting friends for dinner, and I whipped this dish up in just under 30 minutes. Seeing everyone enjoy the pasta made all the effort worth it. This meal not only satisfies the taste buds but also makes for a gorgeous presentation on the table!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
Vibrant colors and flavors that brighten your table
Fresh ingredients that bring seasonal tastes to life

Understanding Pesto’s Role

The homemade basil pesto is truly the star of this dish, as it infuses the pasta with its fragrant herbal essence. Using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this vibrant pesto brings a rich, creamy texture that perfectly coats each bow tie. For an additional layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto to brighten it up, making the dish even more refreshing during warm evenings.

If you don’t have pine nuts on hand or wish to experiment, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Each variation will subtly alter the flavor profile of the pesto, creating an exciting twist on the classic recipe. Additionally, you can store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it in ice cube trays for longer-term storage.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Cooking the bow tie pasta until al dente is crucial for maintaining the dish's texture. This means the pasta should be tender but still firm when bitten, typically achieved by cooking for about 8-10 minutes. To prevent the pasta from becoming sticky, give it a gentle stir during the first few minutes of cooking, and make sure to generously salt the boiling water as it enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.

One troubleshooting tip is to taste the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions indicate; this ensures you don't overcook it. If you do find yourself with overcooked pasta, it can still be salvaged by quickly transferring it to a skillet with the sauce and tossing over medium heat to reintroduce some texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

8 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil pesto
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix well and enjoy your delicious meal!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the basil pesto.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper and top with grated Parmesan before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful bow tie pasta dish!

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, consider adding toasted pine nuts or balsamic glaze on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. When serving, I like to garnish with extra torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, making it a heartier meal for family or guests.

For a festive touch, consider serving this dish in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and the luscious green of the pesto. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving can add a hint of richness that perfectly complements the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is ideal for meal prep, as both the pasta and pesto can be made in advance. Cook the pasta al dente, allow it to cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pesto can be prepared ahead of time as well, and I recommend storing it in a jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.

When you're ready to enjoy the dish, simply reheat the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water to revive its texture and toss it with the pesto and tomatoes. Avoid reheating on high heat, as this can lead to mushy pasta; a gentle heat is key to preserving the dish's integrity.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great in this recipe if you're short on time.

→ What can I substitute for bow tie pasta?

You can replace bow tie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal during the week.

→ Can I add proteins to this recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions to make this a more hearty dish.