Farfalle pasta

 

Certainly! Here's a simple and delicious farfalle pasta recipe with a creamy tomato sauce and basil. This recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of farfalle pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Farfalle Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add Tomatoes and Cream:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.

Add the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce.

Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to heat the pasta through.

Finish with Basil:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.

The basil will add a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.

Serve:

Serve the creamy tomato farfalle pasta hot.

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your homemade farfalle pasta with creamy tomato and basil sauce! This dish is versatile, so feel free to customize it by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Farfalle pasta, often referred to as "bowtie pasta" due to its distinctive shape, is a type of Italian pasta. The word "farfalle" translates to "butterflies" in Italian, which is an apt description of its shape. Farfalle pasta is made from durum wheat semolina and water and is a versatile choice for a variety of pasta dishes.

Key characteristics of farfalle pasta include:

1. Shape: Farfalle pasta is typically shaped like small rectangles with pinched edges in the center, resembling bowties or butterflies. This unique shape allows it to hold sauce well and provides an interesting texture to dishes.
2. Size: Farfalle pasta comes in various sizes, from small to large. The size can affect cooking times, with larger farfalle requiring slightly more time to cook than smaller ones.
3. Texture: When cooked al dente, farfalle pasta should have a firm texture with a slight bite. It is important not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
4. Usage: Farfalle pasta can be used in a wide range of dishes, including pasta salads, creamy pasta sauces, and traditional Italian recipes. It pairs well with various ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, poultry, and cheese.
5. Cooking: To cook farfalle pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste a piece to check for doneness, and drain it promptly when it reaches your preferred level of tenderness.

Farfalle pasta is a popular choice for both home cooks and chefs because of its attractive appearance and ability to hold sauces and ingredients effectively. It's a versatile pasta shape that can be used in both simple and complex dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens around the world.