| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 11g | 3g | 56g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 14g | 0.75g |
Why I Love Italian Bowtie Pasta with Tomato Sauce
I have a soft spot for the classic, comforting, family-friendly dish of Bowtie Pasta with Tomato Sauce. As someone who usually indulges in gloriously sweet dessert creations, both from my French and Creole roots, navigating the savory territory can be a refreshing change. While I dance between beignets and éclairs, there’s something about the simplicity of this traditional Italian pasta dish that tugs at my heartstrings and brings immense joy to my kitchen.
The Joy of Simple Ingredients
Making Bowtie Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a beautiful reminder of how few, quality ingredients can harmoniously weave into a meal that’s both vibrant and comforting. It humbles me every time, honestly. It starts with 1 lb of bowtie pasta, the caricature of pasta shapes, fun yet elegant. Then, we dive into the heart of the dish where olive oil and onion lay the foundation.
If you’ve come across recipes of famed chef Lidia Bastianich, you’d notice how she celebrates the intricate dance of simple ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors. Her style has often been a source of inspiration for me, especially for dishes like this.
The Celebration of Flavors
Within this recipe, every component contributes to the flavor party. The garlic and crushed tomatoes get to simmer and mingle, bringing their essence to the forefront. A hint of sugar balances the acidity, and red pepper flakes add a dash of excitement; feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Basil and parsley involve a flourish of freshness and the parmigiano cheese adds a delightful creaminess with its salty and nutty profile. All these ingredients, when combined, create a stellar Bowtie Pasta with Tomato Sauce.
The Comforting Hug of Pasta
Beyond the ingredients and flavors, it’s the assured comfort that this dish brings that makes me cherish it so much. There’s something universally soothing about a bowl of pasta – it’s like an edible bear hug, reliable and full of love.
So, as I step back into the savory world from my sugar-dusted corner every now and then, it’s recipes like the Bowtie Pasta with Tomato Sauce that make the adventure entirely worthwhile. If you’ve not tried it, I highly recommend giving it a whirl. Just remember, good quality ingredients and lots of heart is the key!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until the onions become translucent and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic to the pan with the onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Four
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step Five
Add the chopped basil and parsley to the sauce and stir to combine. Let the sauce continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the fresh herbs to infuse their flavor into the sauce.
Step Six
Add the cooked and drained bowtie pasta to the sauce and stir well to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
Step Seven
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir again to combine the cheese into the pasta and sauce. Serve the pasta hot, with additional cheese on the side if desired.
