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Creamy Garlic Bowtie Pasta

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A cozy Italian dinner recipe featuring al dente bowtie pasta tossed in a silky, creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle), dried
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of bowtie pasta; cook according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a fine mesh strainer and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water for later.
  2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden—watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the garlic butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently, about 5-7 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup (100 grams) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Toss gently once more.
  8. Serve immediately, optionally adding extra grated Parmesan on top.

Notes

Use Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid burning garlic by cooking it gently. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, milk with plant-based milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy Italian dinner, comfort food, garlic Parmesan sauce

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-garlic-bowtie-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-italian-dinner/