Festive Bow Tie Pasta

A vibrant and colorful pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta tossed with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing—perfect for celebrations or special gatherings.

This pasta platter became my go-to for festive family dinners because it is easy to prepare yet feels special.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium red bell pepper, diced, 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced, 1 medium zucchini, chopped, 1 small red onion, sliced, 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• To Finish: 60 g (2 oz) crumbled feta cheese, 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 30 g (1 oz) toasted pine nuts optional

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Roast vegetables:

Toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 25 minutes stirring halfway until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

Cook pasta:

Meanwhile cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Make dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine:

Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to combine.

Serve:

Sprinkle with feta cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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This dish often sparks joyful conversations around my table as everyone enjoys the fresh vegetables and bright flavors.

Required Tools

Large pot, baking sheet, mixing bowls, whisk, serving bowl

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) in pasta, milk in feta cheese, and pine nuts (tree nuts optional). Check ingredient labels for possible traces of allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 390, total fat 14 g, carbohydrates 55 g, protein 10 g per serving

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This pasta platter is the perfect balance of hearty and fresh making it ideal for any festive occasion.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What pasta is used in this dish?

Bow tie (farfalle) pasta is used, providing a pleasing shape that holds the roasted vegetables and dressing well.

→ How are the vegetables prepared?

The bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with olive oil and Italian herbs, then roasted until tender and caramelized.

→ What gives the dish its bright flavor?

A zesty dressing made from lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard adds a fresh and tangy note.

→ Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, by omitting the feta cheese or substituting with a plant-based alternative, the dish becomes vegan-friendly.

→ What can be added for extra protein?

Grilled chicken or shrimp can be incorporated to enhance the protein content of the dish.

→ Are there any common allergens?

This contains wheat from the pasta, milk in the feta cheese, and optional tree nuts from pine nuts. Labels should be checked carefully.