Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

This dish brings together al dente bow tie pasta with a medley of oven-roasted bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, seasoned with Italian herbs. A zesty dressing featuring lemon juice, garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard complements the flavors, while crumbled feta, fresh basil, parsley, and optional toasted pine nuts add texture and richness. Great warm or at room temperature, it’s a lively and colorful option ideal for festive gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:11:00 GMT
Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter: colorful roasted vegetables mingling with the tender pasta. Save
Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter: colorful roasted vegetables mingling with the tender pasta. | amberladle.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 pasta has become a favorite at family parties and summer dinners for its fresh 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

Roast Vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). 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.
Cook Pasta:
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.
Prepare Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss Together:
Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to combine.
Finish:
Sprinkle with feta cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This flavorful Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter features vibrant herbs and a bright lemon dressing. Save
This flavorful Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter features vibrant herbs and a bright lemon dressing. | amberladle.com

This dish brings the family together, especially during summer when fresh vegetables are at their peak.

Notes

Pair this dish with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for the best experience.

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.

A beautiful serving of Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, perfect for a vegetarian celebration, ready to eat. Save
A beautiful serving of Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, perfect for a vegetarian celebration, ready to eat. | amberladle.com

Enjoy this colorful pasta as a centerpiece for your next gathering; it never fails to impress and satisfy.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta is used in this dish?

Bow tie (farfalle) pasta is used, providing a delightful shape that holds the dressing and vegetables well.

How are the vegetables prepared?

Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, then roasted until tender and lightly caramelized.

Can this dish be served cold or warm?

It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.

Is there a suggested alternative for feta cheese?

For a vegan option, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.

What flavors are in the dressing?

The dressing combines extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and seasoning for a bright and tangy finish.

Are there any suggested pairings with this dish?

Pair it with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the fresh flavors.

Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Bow tie pasta mixed with roasted peppers, zucchini, herbs, and a tangy lemon-garlic drizzle.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
25 min
Overall time
45 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine Italian

Makes 6 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free

What you need

Pasta

01 1 pound 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 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
06 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
08 Salt, to taste
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dressing

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

To Finish

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

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 02

Roast vegetables: Combine bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 03

Cook pasta: Boil bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine components: Add roasted vegetables to the pasta. Pour dressing over and toss gently to mix thoroughly.

Step 06

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (feta cheese), and tree nuts (pine nuts, optional).

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fat content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrate: 55 g
  • Protein amount: 10 g