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- 12 oz bowtie pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced Bowtie pasta adds fun shape and great texture. You can find it at any store. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor to the dish. I always use fresh garlic for the best taste. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Grated Parmesan cheese melts well, adding great depth. It gives the dish a nice cheesy taste. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup baby spinach - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat Italian seasoning blends herbs for a great flavor boost. Baby spinach adds color and nutrition. Chopped parsley brightens the dish with freshness. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick to the meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Use enough water to cover the pasta well. Add 12 ounces of bowtie pasta to the boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. While the pasta cooks, reserve one cup of pasta water. This water helps with the sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for one to two minutes. You want it fragrant but not burnt. This step brings out the best flavor. Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it into the melted butter and garlic. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta. If the sauce looks too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Start with a little and add more until you get your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and cling to the pasta perfectly. To finish, stir in 1 cup of baby spinach. The heat from the sauce will wilt the spinach quickly. Then fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh taste. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. This adds a nice kick if you like spicy food. To keep your sauce from separating, maintain low heat when mixing in the cream. High heat can cause it to curdle. Always stir gently until the cheese melts. Using reserved pasta water is key. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Start with a small amount. Add more if the sauce feels too thick. This trick will give you that perfect creamy finish. You can boost the flavor with fresh herbs. Basil or thyme adds a nice touch. Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat. Pair this dish with proteins for extra heartiness. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp work well. Just cook them separately and mix them in before serving. Serve your creamy pasta with a light side salad. This adds freshness and balances the meal. Garlic bread also pairs nicely, giving you that extra crunch. For presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. Use a large serving bowl for a family-style look. This makes it feel special for any meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor of your sauce compared to pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh for the best results. Customize Your Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, mixing in other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a bit of mozzarella can add unique flavors and creaminess. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and can adjust the consistency without diluting the flavor. Always reserve some before draining. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to the dish for added protein and flavor. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegetarian, I suggest using a plant-based cream. You can find options like cashew cream or almond cream. These will keep the creamy texture while adding a nutty flavor. Adding veggies boosts the dish's nutrition. Consider mixing in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add color, crunch, and extra vitamins. Just sauté the veggies in the butter before adding the garlic. This way, they will soak up the flavor. If you want to add protein, chicken, shrimp, or tofu works great. For chicken, use diced breast. Cook it first in the skillet until browned, then add garlic. For shrimp, add them after the garlic cooks, and sauté until pink. If you choose tofu, use firm tofu, diced into cubes. Sauté it until golden before adding garlic. Adjust cooking times based on protein choice. Chicken takes longer than shrimp or tofu, so plan accordingly. For a gluten-free option, swap the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta. Brands like brown rice or chickpea pasta are excellent choices. Just watch the cooking time; it may differ from regular pasta. To adapt the recipe, make sure your cream and cheese are gluten-free too. Always check the labels. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy dish without worry. After making Creamy Garlic Bowtie Pasta, let it cool down. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of your fridge. This helps keep the flavors intact. To freeze this dish, follow these steps: 1. Allow the pasta to cool completely. 2. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. 3. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. 4. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, I recommend these methods: - Microwave: Place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream. Cover it and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat. Add the pasta and a little cream. Stir until warmed through. To keep the pasta creamy, always add a little liquid while reheating. This helps prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first meal! To make this dish ahead, cook the pasta and prepare the sauce separately. 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and cool it. 2. Prepare the Sauce: Make the creamy garlic sauce as per the recipe. 3. Cool and Store: Place both pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers. 4. Reheat: When ready to eat, combine and heat on the stove. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Here are some great options: - Farfalle: Similar shape; cook for about 10-12 minutes. - Penne: Short tubes; cook for 11-13 minutes. - Fusilli: Twisted pasta; cook for 8-10 minutes. Just adjust your cooking times based on the type of pasta you choose. If you want a lighter or dairy-free option, try these substitutes: - Coconut Milk: Rich and creamy, use the full-fat kind for best results. - Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a creamy texture. - Greek Yogurt: This will give a tangy flavor; mix with a bit of milk to thin it out. These options keep the dish creamy without using heavy cream. To add some heat, consider these simple options: - Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in a teaspoon or more based on your taste. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce into the sauce. - Jalapeños: Add finely chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. These will enhance the flavor and give your pasta a nice zing! This pasta dish can be made healthier with some simple tweaks: - Use Whole Wheat Pasta: This adds fiber and nutrients. - Reduce Butter: Use less butter or swap for olive oil. - Add Veggies: Include more spinach or other vegetables for added nutrients. While it’s rich and creamy, these adjustments can make it a more balanced meal. You learned how to make Creamy Garlic Bowtie Pasta from start to finish. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. Remember to use reserved pasta water for a smooth sauce. Experiment with proteins and veggies to make it your own. Whether you enjoy it fresh or save leftovers, this dish will impress. With these tools, you can create a delightful meal whenever you want. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Bowtie Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish with garlic, Parmesan, and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked bowtie pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Add Spinach and Herbs: Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt slightly in the sauce. Then fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor.
  • Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword creamy, garlic, Italian, pasta