Everyone loves a good pasta dish, and this recipe for bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream is no exception. This rich, creamy pasta dish offers a delightful combination of flavors — the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the sharpness of scallions, and the smooth, velvety cream. The bow ties, or farfalle, make for an interesting and appealing shape, perfect for holding onto that delicious sauce.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, there are a couple that you may need to pick up from the supermarket. Sun-dried tomatoes are made by drying ripe tomatoes in the sun, and they have a deep, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that is much more intense than regular tomatoes. They are usually found in the produce section of the supermarket, often packed in oil. Scallions, also known as green onions, are a type of onion that is harvested young. They have a milder and more delicate flavor than regular onions.
Ingredients for Bow Tie Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream
Scallions: These are a type of young onions with a milder flavor than regular onions. They add a refreshing, slightly sharp taste to the pasta.
Sun dried tomato halves: These are ripe tomatoes that have been dried in the sun. They have a concentrated, sweet and slightly tangy flavor that complements the pasta perfectly.
Light cream: This is less heavy than regular cream, but still adds a rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
Bow ties: These are a type of pasta shaped like a bow tie. They are great at holding onto sauce and add a fun, interesting shape to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the sauce.
Fresh parsley: This herb adds a bright, fresh flavor that balances out the rich cream and sun-dried tomatoes.
One reader, Garfield Lemaster says:
This bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes and scallions perfectly complement the pasta. It's a delightful dish that's easy to make and impresses every time. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Creamy Pasta Recipes
How to puree the scallions and sun-dried tomatoes with cream: In a blender or food processor, combine the scallions and reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes with 1/2 cup of the light cream. Blend until smooth and well combined.
How to cook the bow ties: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the bow ties until they are just done, which should take about 15 minutes.
How to thin the sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it by adding more of the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
How to make a variation with herbs: For a variation, you can add an equal quantity of chopped fresh basil or chives, or 2 tablespoons of tarragon as an alternative or addition to the parsley. Mix it in with the sauce for added flavor.
How to pair with wine: A fruity red wine, such as a slightly chilled bottle of Barbera or Dolcetto from the Piedmont region of Italy, would be an ideal pairing with the rich sauce and the assertive, salty taste of the sun-dried tomatoes.
How To Make Bow Tie Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream
Creamy, luscious, and earthy – this bow tie pasta makes the most savory dinner meal! Enjoy a plate with bites of juicy tomatoes and sweet scallions.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5scallions
- 6tbspsun dried tomato halves,(about 12 halves), reconstituted, chopped
- 1cuplight cream,or half and half
- 1lbbow ties
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- 3tbspfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
-
In a blender or food processor, puree the scallions and sun-dried tomatoes with ½ cup of the cream.
-
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the bow ties for about 15 minutes, until just done. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
-
Drain the pasta and toss with the puree, the remaining ½ cup cream, ⅓ cup of the reserved pasta water, the salt, pepper and parsley. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it by adding more of the reserved pasta water.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 605.63kcal
- Fat: 20.28g
- Saturated Fat: 11.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.20g
- Carbohydrates: 88.77g
- Fiber: 4.47g
- Sugar: 5.63g
- Protein: 16.67g
- Cholesterol: 66.32mg
- Sodium: 486.21mg
- Calcium: 85.76mg
- Potassium: 416.39mg
- Iron: 2.02mg
- Vitamin A: 194.04µg
- Vitamin C: 9.59mg
Mastering the Art of Creamy Pasta Sauces
When pureeing the scallions and sun-dried tomatoes in a blender or food processor, it's important to add the cream gradually. This will help to create a smoother, more even consistency in your sauce. Additionally, when adding the puree to the cooked pasta, ensure the pasta is still hot. This will help the sauce adhere better to the pasta, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Bow Tie Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream
Prep ahead: Chop and puree the scallions and sun-dried tomatoes in advance, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save time during the actual cooking process.
Multitask: While the pasta is boiling, you can start preparing the sun-dried tomato and scallion cream sauce. This way, you can efficiently use your time in the kitchen.
Quick cook: Opt for quick-cooking bow tie pasta to reduce the overall cooking time. This can help you get the dish on the table faster.
Efficient blending: Use a high-powered blender or food processor to quickly and effectively puree the scallions and sun-dried tomatoes with the cream, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture for the sauce.
Streamline cleanup: As the pasta cooks, clean and chop the fresh parsley, so you can easily toss it into the dish when the time comes, minimizing last-minute prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Bow Tie Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream Recipe
scallions - Substitute with chopped green onions: Green onions have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a substitute for scallions in this recipe.
reconstituted sun dried tomato halves - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can provide a fresh and slightly sweet flavor similar to sun-dried tomatoes, adding a burst of juiciness to the dish.
light cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative to light cream, providing a similar richness and creaminess to the dish.
bow ties - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar shape and texture to bow tie pasta, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and texture to the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and spice to the dish, similar to the warmth provided by black pepper.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
Plating Ideas for Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream Pasta
Elevate the plating: Arrange the bow tie pasta in a circular motion on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation. Ensure that each ingredient is evenly distributed for a balanced look.
Garnish with scallion curls: Create delicate scallion curls by slicing the scallions lengthwise and placing them in ice water. The curls can be used as an elegant garnish, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce vibrant and edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to add a pop of color and a subtle floral note to the dish. Carefully place the flowers on top of the pasta for a stunning visual effect.
Utilize microgreens: Sprinkle a handful of microgreens, such as arugula or basil, on top of the pasta to enhance the overall presentation and provide a fresh, herbaceous element to the dish.
Enhance with a drizzle of olive oil: Finish the dish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a glossy sheen and a hint of richness, elevating the visual appeal of the pasta.
Accent with sun-dried tomato crisps: Create sun-dried tomato crisps by thinly slicing the reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes and baking them until crisp. Place the crisps strategically on the pasta for a visually striking and textural element.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a pristine, white plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish and allow the ingredients to take center stage, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, aiming for symmetry and balance in the presentation to captivate the eyes of the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Bow Tie Pasta
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Food processor: An electric kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Large pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or steaming large quantities of food.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, or reheating food.
- Pasta pot: A specialized pot with a strainer insert designed for cooking and draining pasta.
- Blanching basket: A basket used for blanching vegetables or pasta in boiling water and easily removing them.
- Tongs: A kitchen tool consisting of two arms with a pivot joint, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Pasta server: A utensil with a flat, wide surface and tines, designed for serving and portioning pasta.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring, mixing, and serving food during cooking.
- Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting, slicing, and preparing food.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife with a broad blade, used for chopping, slicing, and mincing.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Pasta Dishes
- Let the pasta cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the cream sauce from separating and the pasta from becoming mushy.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- When ready to reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's consistency if needed.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen pasta directly in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of liquid as needed to prevent the pasta from drying out or the sauce from separating.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta Dishes
- To reheat leftover bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream sauce, start by placing the desired amount of pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave the pasta on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes total, depending on the amount of pasta being reheated.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the bow tie pasta on the stovetop. Place the pasta and a splash of cream or milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently and continuously until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is warm and well-combined. This method may take a bit longer than the microwave, but it allows for more control over the reheating process and can help prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked or mushy.
- If the reheated sauce appears too thick, add small amounts of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can dilute the flavors of the sun-dried tomato and scallion cream sauce.
- Once the pasta is heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, black pepper, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the reheated bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream sauce immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or other herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious, creamy pasta dish!
The History Behind Bow Tie Pasta
The sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to numerous health benefits. Lycopene has been shown to help protect against certain types of cancer and promote heart health. Additionally, it may also help improve skin health and reduce the risk of sunburn. So, not only is this bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream delicious, but it also provides a healthy dose of lycopene.
Budget-Friendly Pasta Dishes for Home Cooking
This bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The cost-effectiveness is high, as the ingredients are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish earns a solid 9/10 for its balance of affordability and gourmet appeal. The approximate cost for a household of four is around $15, making it a budget-friendly yet impressive option for a family meal.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The bow tie pasta with sun-dried tomato and scallion cream recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- The recipe calls for a full cup of light cream, which is high in saturated fat and calories
- Sun-dried tomatoes, while flavorful, are often packed in oil, adding extra fat to the dish
- The recipe lacks a significant source of protein and fiber, which are important for a balanced meal
However, with a few simple modifications, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Swap the light cream for a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil, or drain and rinse the tomatoes before using them to minimize added fat
- Incorporate a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the dish more filling and balanced
- Add more vegetables to the pasta, such as sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers, to increase the fiber content and overall nutrient density
- Use whole grain bow tie pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a tasty and satisfying pasta dish that better aligns with a healthy eating plan.
Editor's Opinion: A Delightful Twist on Classic Pasta
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, scallions, and cream creates a rich and flavorful sauce for the bow tie pasta. The addition of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The recipe is simple yet elegant, making it a versatile option for both casual and formal dining. The suggested variation with fresh herbs offers an exciting twist, allowing for customization based on personal preferences. The wine recommendation complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience. This recipe is a delightful choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable pasta dish.
Enhance Your Bow Tie Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Dish
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Bow Tie Pasta
Why trust this Bow Tie Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Scallion Cream Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the richness of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of scallions. The creamy sauce, made with light cream, creates a luscious coating for the bow tie pasta, ensuring a satisfying and indulgent dining experience. The addition of fresh parsley enhances the dish with a burst of herbaceous aroma and flavor. The versatility of this recipe is further highlighted by the suggested variations, allowing for personalization based on individual preferences. With its balanced and harmonious elements, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience.
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