Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a popular pasta shape that resembles a butterfly or bow tie. With its unique and fun shape, bowtie pasta is not only visually appealing but also versatile, easy to use, and extra enjoyable to eat. In this article, we will explore why bowtie pasta reigns supreme over other pasta shapes and makes for an all-around excellent pasta choice.
What is bowtie pasta?
Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, gets its name from its distinct bowtie or butterfly shape. It’s made from durum wheat semolina just like most other pasta shapes. The pasta dough is pressed into thin sheets, cut into small rectangles, then pinched in the center to form the signature bowtie look.
When cooked, the crimped middle of the pasta bows out slightly while the ends stay flat and wide. This gives the pasta an excellent ability to catch and hold sauces in its crannies. Bowtie pasta is small to medium in size, typically between 1 to 3 inches across. It has a delicious mild flavor that pairs well with many sauces.
Why is bowtie pasta the best shape?
There are many reasons why bowtie reigns as one of the best pasta shapes. Here are some of the top benefits of using farfalle pasta:
Fun shape
The whimsical bowtie or butterfly shape makes this pasta more visually interesting than typical long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. It’s sure to bring a smile to both kids and adults when served. The unique shape also gives bowtie pasta added texture and helps sauce cling to the pasta.
Sauce holding ability
With ridges, grooves, and a crimped center, bowtie pasta is excellent at catching and holding onto sauce. The shapes and crannies allow more sauce to adhere to the pasta, resulting in more flavor in every bite. The medium size also gives it a better sauce holding ability compared to smaller pastas like orzo.
Versatile
Bowtie pasta can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Its medium size works well in pasta salads, soups, casseroles, baked pastas, and more. Bowtie pasta is right at home in Italian dishes but also adapts well to Mediterranean, Asian, and other international cuisines. Feel free to get creative with bowtie shapes!
Kid friendly
The fun shape and size of bowtie pasta makes it popular with kids as well as adults. It’s easy for little ones to pick up and eat. Bowtie pasta works great in easy kid-pleasing dishes like buttery pasta, mac and cheese, pasta salad, and more. It’s a go-to pasta shape for family meals.
Holds shape when cooked
Bowtie pasta maintains its shape nicely when cooked. The ridges and curves prevent it from becoming a mushy blob like some other pasta shapes can. This gives dishes visual appeal and an enjoyable texture. The pasta stays “al dente” and retains a pleasing bite even when cooked until very soft.
Works with any sauce
While some pasta shapes go best with certain sauces, bowtie pasta pairs well with virtually any pasta sauce. Its versatility allows it to be used with light or heavy cream sauces, oil-based sauces, chunky vegetable sauces, buttery sauces, and more. Feel free to use bowties with your favorite pasta sauce recipes.
Easy to eat
Unlike long thin pastas like spaghetti or linguine that can be tricky to twirl onto a fork, bowtie pasta is shaped perfectly for eating. The smaller bowtie size along with the flat ends make it easy to scoop onto utensils. Bowtie pasta is enjoyable for both novice pasta eaters and experts!
Adds fun texture
The unique bowed center and flat ends of bowtie pasta result in an appealing mix of textures. You get both a soft crunchy texture from the flat ends combined with the ruffled bowtie middle. This makes dishes more interesting compared to one-dimensional pastas.
Holds up well when cooked ahead
Dishes made with bowtie pasta maintain their texture and appeal even when cooked ahead of time. The pasta shape doesn’t turn mushy or lose its sauce holding ability. Bowtie pasta makes excellent leftovers and also works well for meal prepping and portable lunches.
Works in hot or cold dishes
Bowtie pasta can be served hot or chilled in salads without compromising taste or texture. The hearty shape stands up to chilling without becoming soggy. Feel free to use it in both warm entrees and refreshing cold pasta salads.
Good size for entertaining
At 1 to 3 inches across, bowtie pasta works perfectly for feeding groups. The medium size prevents it from being too tiny or delicate for larger serving portions and potlucks. Bowtie pasta also gives a visually appealing look for a shared dish at a party or other gathering.
What dishes use bowtie pasta?
Bowtie pasta brings its signature shape and sauce catching abilities to a wide range of dishes:
Pasta salads
Cold pasta salads are a perfect place to use farfalle. Bowtie shapes add visual appeal and their heartiness prevents them from getting waterlogged. Use bowties in salads with vinaigrette, mayo, cheese, meats, veggies and more.
Pasta bakes
For pasta bakes like ziti, lasagna or mac and cheese, bowties excel at catching rich sauces and baking up crispy on top. Their smaller size gives great proportions in casseroles. Bowtie bakes hold their texture when reheated too.
Pasta entrees
Bowtie pasta is right at home as a hot entree. Toss with olive oil, garlic, veggies and protein for a fast weeknight dinner. Or use bowtie pasta in place of other shapes in recipes like chicken alfredo, shrimp scampi, cacio e pepe, pesto pasta and more.
Soups
The medium size and shape of bowtie pasta works perfectly in soups. Try using bowties instead of smaller shapes like orzo or pastina. The texture stays pleasant even when soaked in broth. Bowtie soup is satisfying without being too filling.
Pasta with meat sauce
Hearty meat sauces like Bolognese cling nicely to bowtie pasta. The ridges trap the chunky sauce while the flat ends allow an enjoyable chewy texture. Bowties have just the right proportions for meaty ragu type dishes.
Asian noodle bowls
For a change of pace, use bowtie pasta instead of traditional Asian wheat noodles in dishes like pad thai, sesame noodles, pho, ramen and more. The fun shape and hearty texture stands up well to bold Asian flavors.
How to cook bowtie pasta
Bowtie pasta couldn’t be easier to prepare:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 6 cups water per 8 ounces of dried pasta.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. For 8 ounces pasta, boil uncovered for 9-11 minutes until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1 cup pasta cooking water if needed for the sauce.
4. Rinse the cooked pasta with cool water to prevent further cooking and stickiness.
5. Toss the pasta with your desired sauce and ingredients. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the bowties.
6. Season to taste with salt, pepper, herbs, Parmesan, or other flavorings. Enjoy your delicious bowtie pasta!
Tips for making perfect bowtie pasta
Follow these tips for bowtie pasta cooked just right:
– Salt the pasta cooking water generously. This adds flavor that the pasta absorbs.
– Stir immediately after adding pasta to prevent sticking. Give an occasional stir during cooking.
– Don’t break up the pasta before cooking. Bowtie shapes need those lovely ridges to hold sauce.
– Cook until al dente with a slight firmness at the center. Take a taste test!
– Drain well to remove all excess water, which can make dishes watery.
– Rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process for the best texture.
– Add just enough sauce to lightly coat each pasta piece without drowning it.
– Save about 1 cup pasta water to thin out sauce consistency if needed.
Conclusion
With its signature bowtie shape, fun ridged texture, and excellent sauce holding abilities, bowtie pasta is a top choice for pasta lovers. Kids and adults alike will love the whimsical butterfly shape and appealing chewy texture of bowtie pasta. Use bowtie pasta for hot entrees, cold salads, baked pastas, soups and more to add visual appeal and enjoyment to your dishes. Bowtie pasta is tasty, versatile, easy to cook, and fun for the whole family – that’s why it reigns as one of the best pasta shapes you can choose!