Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Featured in: Cozy Home Dinners

This festive bow tie pasta features tender farfalle pasta combined with oven-roasted bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a bright lemon-garlic dressing made with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic, it’s finished with crumbled feta, fresh basil, parsley, and optional toasted pine nuts. Perfect served warm or room temperature, this dish offers fresh, vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of textures for easy entertaining.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:42:00 GMT
A colorful bowl of Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, tossed with roasted vegetables and herbs, ready to serve. Save
A colorful bowl of Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, tossed with roasted vegetables and herbs, ready to serve. | poppyhearth.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 platter is a staple at our family celebrations and never fails to impress guests with 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.
Vivid image of the Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, a vegetarian Italian dish with fresh herbs and feta. Save
Vivid image of the Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, a vegetarian Italian dish with fresh herbs and feta. | poppyhearth.com

This dish always brings our family together, sparking conversations over shared plates and laughter.

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

Enjoy a delicious plate of Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, perfect for a gathering with friends and family. Save
Enjoy a delicious plate of Festive Bow Tie Pasta Platter, perfect for a gathering with friends and family. | poppyhearth.com

Enjoy this festive pasta as a vibrant main dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Recipe Questions

What type of pasta is used in this dish?

Bow tie (farfalle) pasta is used for its shape and ability to hold the dressing well.

Can I prepare this dish vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.

How are the vegetables prepared?

The bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are tossed with olive oil and herbs, then roasted until tender and slightly caramelized.

Is this dish served hot or cold?

It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for various occasions.

What dressing complements the pasta and vegetables?

A zesty lemon-garlic dressing with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic enhances the dish's fresh flavors.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for extra protein and heartiness.

Festive Bow Tie Pasta

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

Prep duration
20 minutes
Cooking duration
25 minutes
Total duration
45 minutes
Created by Grace Holloway

Recipe type Cozy Home Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Italian

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

Required Ingredients

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, to taste
09 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, to taste
08 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)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Roast vegetables: Toss bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons 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: Cook 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 04

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

Step 05

Combine pasta and vegetables: Add roasted vegetables to the cooked pasta. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to combine evenly.

Step 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy notices

Check ingredients for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
  • Contains gluten from wheat in pasta, milk from feta cheese, and tree nuts from pine nuts (optional). Verify labels for possible allergen traces.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These details are meant for general advice, not medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 10 g