Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

This vibrant bow tie pasta combines perfectly roasted bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a bright lemon-garlic dressing. The dish is finished with crumbled feta, fresh basil, parsley, and optional toasted pine nuts, offering layers of texture and flavor. Easy to prepare, it brings a festive touch ideal for gatherings or casual meals. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes creates a delightful and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dish that's both satisfying and light.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:02:00 GMT
Vibrant platter of Festive Bow Tie Pasta, showcasing colorful roasted vegetables and creamy feta cheese. Save
Vibrant platter of Festive Bow Tie Pasta, showcasing colorful roasted vegetables and creamy feta cheese. | whisknjoy.com

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 recipe quickly became a hit at family gatherings because of its bright flavors and simple preparation.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5:
Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to combine.
Step 6:
Sprinkle with feta cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Freshly tossed Festive Bow Tie Pasta, bright with lemon dressing and herbs, ready to serve with wine. Save
Freshly tossed Festive Bow Tie Pasta, bright with lemon dressing and herbs, ready to serve with wine. | whisknjoy.com

This dish always brings my family together, with everyone enjoying the bright colors and fresh 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.

A complete Festive Bow Tie Pasta meal: tender bow ties with roasted veggies and toasted pine nuts. Save
A complete Festive Bow Tie Pasta meal: tender bow ties with roasted veggies and toasted pine nuts. | whisknjoy.com

This festive bow tie pasta is a simple yet impressive dish that brightens up any meal.

Recipe FAQ

How do you roast vegetables for this dish?

Toss bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.

What pasta is best for this preparation?

Bow tie pasta (farfalle) works well, holding the dressing and ingredients nicely while offering a pleasant texture.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

How is the lemon-garlic dressing prepared?

Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

What garnishes add extra flavor and texture?

Crumbled feta, fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts provide savory, herbal, and crunchy elements that elevate the dish.

Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Colorful bow tie pasta with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon-garlic dressing.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Sophia Turner

Classification Vegetarian Favorites

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background Italian

Output 6 Portion Count

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Pasta

01 1 lb bow tie (farfalle) pasta

Roasted Vegetables

01 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
02 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
03 1 medium zucchini, chopped
04 1 small red onion, sliced
05 7 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
06 2 tbsp olive oil
07 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dressing

01 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 tsp lemon zest
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
06 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Finish

01 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
02 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
03 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
04 1 oz toasted pine nuts (optional)

Preparation Steps

Stage 01

Prepare oven and vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.

Stage 02

Roast vegetables: Roast vegetables in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Stage 03

Cook pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Stage 04

Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Stage 05

Combine pasta and vegetables: Add roasted vegetables to the cooked pasta, pour dressing over, and gently toss to combine all ingredients.

Stage 06

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta, chopped basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts over the mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl

Allergy details

Review all ingredients for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're unsure about any item.
  • Contains gluten from pasta, milk in feta cheese, and pine nuts (tree nuts, optional). Verify product labels for allergen traces.

Nutritional content (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 10 g