Farfalle, with its distinctive bow-tie shape, is more than just a pretty pasta—it’s a versatile canvas for sauces, vegetables, proteins, and cheeses. The pinched center of each “butterfly” holds creamy sauces, while the broad wings catch chunky ingredients, making every bite a harmonious blend of texture and flavor. From light spring salads to hearty winter bakes, these 17 farfalle recipes span global cuisines and inventive twists, ensuring you’ll find the perfect dish for any occasion. Dive into these must-try creations to discover why farfalle deserves a starring role on your dinner table.
Lemon Asparagus Farfalle Primavera
Bright spring asparagus spears and blanched snap peas mingle with farfalle in a silky lemon-garlic sauce enriched with a splash of white wine and a pat of butter. Tossed with freshly grated Parmesan and scattered with lemon zest and parsley, this dish celebrates seasonal produce in every vibrant forkful.
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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Farfalle
Sweet sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach are folded into a rich cream sauce spiked with garlic and fresh thyme, then gently tossed with farfalle until each bow is luxuriously coated. A final sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds crunch, while grated Pecorino Romano brings savory depth.
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Farfalle with Italian Sausage, Bell Peppers & Onions
Chunks of spicy Italian sausage are seared to crisp perfection alongside caramelized onions and tri-colored bell peppers. Toss in farfalle and a light tomato-basil sauce that clings to each noodle, resulting in a hearty, rustic entrée with layers of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.
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Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Farfalle
Juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes join tender broccoli florets and farfalle in a lemon-butter pan sauce. Finish with a shower of chopped parsley and grated Parmesan for a seafood pasta that’s both light and indulgent. Get the recipe on: Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Farfalle
Pesto Farfalle with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Vibrant basil pesto, made with pine nuts and extra-virgin olive oil, coats farfalle perfectly, while halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls add juicy bursts and creamy notes. A drizzle of balsamic reduction ties it all together, making this salad-like pasta ideal for potlucks or warm-weather dining.
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Farfalle alla Carbonara with Peas
Traditional carbonara gets a colorful update as farfalle is enveloped in an egg-Parmigiano cream sauce, studded with sweet green peas and crispy pancetta. The broad noodles capture the silky sauce, while the peas provide a pop of freshness against the smoky meat.
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Cajun Chicken Farfalle Alfredo
Blackened chicken breast slices rest atop farfalle tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce spiced with Cajun seasoning. Sautéed onions and bell peppers weave through the dish, adding sweetness and crunch to counter the bold, peppery heat. Get the recipe on: Cajun Chicken Farfalle Alfredo
Farfalle with Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage
Tender cubes of roasted butternut squash and crispy sage leaves are folded into farfalle bathed in browned butter. A scattering of toasted walnuts and crumbles of goat cheese lends texture and tang, making this autumnal pasta a satisfying comfort dish.
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Mediterranean Farfalle Salad with Feta and Olives
Cold farfalle is tossed with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta in a lemon-oregano vinaigrette. The interplay of briny olives, creamy cheese, and crisp veggies delivers a refreshing salad that travels well for lunches or picnics. Get the recipe on: Mediterranean Farfalle Salad with Feta and Olives
Farfalle with Mushroom Marsala Sauce
Earthy cremini and shiitake mushrooms are sautéed in Marsala wine and shallots, then simmered into a luscious sauce with cream and thyme. Tossed with farfalle, the mushrooms and sauce cling to the pasta’s ridges, yielding a decadent, restaurant-quality dish. Get the recipe on: Farfalle with Mushroom Marsala Sauce
Buffalo Chicken Farfalle Bake
Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and farfalle mixed with a blend of cream cheese and cheddar are topped with blue-cheese crumbles and baked until bubbly. The result is a fiery, comforting casserole that captures the addictive flavors of buffalo wings in every creamy, cheesy bite.
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Lemon Ricotta Farfalle with Peas and Prosciutto
A silky sauce of whipped ricotta and lemon zest envelops farfalle, while sweet peas and paper-thin slices of prosciutto add saltiness and color. This elegant pasta balances rich creaminess with bright citrus notes, perfect for an easy yet refined weeknight dinner.
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Farfalle Puttanesca with Anchovies and Capers
Robust puttanesca sauce—garlic, tomatoes, anchovies, olives, and capers—clings to farfalle for a briny, savory explosion of Mediterranean flavor. A sprinkle of red-pepper flakes and fresh parsley adds heat and herbaceous brightness. Get the recipe on: Farfalle Puttanesca with Anchovies and Capers
Farfalle with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Garlic
Spicy Italian sausage crumbles are sautéed with garlic and tender broccoli rabe, then combined with farfalle and a splash of pasta water to create a light but flavorful sauce. A dash of red-pepper flakes intensifies the dish’s rustic, satisfying character.
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Farfalle in Pumpkin Cream Sauce
A velvety sauce of pumpkin puree, cream, sage, and nutmeg coats farfalle for a rich, autumn-inspired meal. Toasted pepitas and a drizzle of browned butter add crunch and depth, transforming this seasonal dish into a cozy favorite. Get the recipe on: Farfalle in Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Farfalle with Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream
Smoked salmon flakes are folded into a creamy sauce of sour cream, lemon juice, and fresh dill, then tossed with farfalle. The delicate smokiness of the fish pairs beautifully with bright citrus and herbs, creating a sophisticated yet simple pasta. Get the recipe on: Farfalle with Smoked Salmon and Dill Cream
Farfalle Primavera Baked with Ricotta and Mozzarella
Spring vegetables—zucchini, peas, carrots, and asparagus—are mixed with farfalle in a light tomato-cream sauce, layered with dollops of ricotta and shredded mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and golden. Each forkful offers tender pasta, melty cheese, and crisp-tender veggies in harmonious balance.
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From light, herb-bright salads to rich, creamy bakes and global flavor mash-ups, these 17 farfalle dishes demonstrate the pasta’s remarkable versatility. Its bow-tie shape captures sauces and ingredients with ease, making every recipe taste thoughtfully composed. Whether you’re entertaining guests or cooking a cozy weeknight meal, these recipes will inspire you to celebrate farfalle in new and delicious ways—one butterfly at a time.
