farfalle pasta recipe

The Best farfalle pasta recipe

Classic Farfalle Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

4.6 from 767 votes

A delightful dish featuring handmade farfalle pasta cooked al dente and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal with family or friends.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (50g) fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and egg. Mix with a fork until a dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3
   Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 2-inch squares. Unfold each square to form a diamond shape (farfalle). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
4. 4
   Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. 5
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook farfalle for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
6. 6
   Add cooked farfalle to the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach if using.
7. 7
   Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand or kitchen mixer
• Rolling pin
• Large skillet
• Parching pot
• Knife and cutting board
• Cutting board for pasta shapes

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips

• For a quicker version, use store-bought pasta and skip the homemade dough.
• Ensure your pasta water is salty enough to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
• Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of lemon zest for extra flavor.

Substitutions

• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
• Use olive oil instead of butter in the sauce for a healthier twist.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Farfalle Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

What is the best way to cook Farfalle pasta for a perfect texture?

The best way to cook Farfalle pasta is to boil it in salted water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes, depending on the brand). Use plenty of water (about 4–5 quarts per pound of pasta) and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste it 1–2 minutes before the recommended time—it should have a slight bite. Drain, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce.

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Can I make Farfalle pasta ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can prep Farfalle pasta in advance, but it’s best to cook it fresh for the best texture. If storing cooked pasta, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or oil to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can make the pasta mushy.

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What are the best sauces to pair with Farfalle?

Farfalle pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces! Classic options include:
– Creamy Alfredo (rich and buttery)
– Pesto (bright and herbaceous)
– Carbonara (egg and cheese-based)
– Marinara or tomato-based (for a lighter, Mediterranean touch)
– Garlic butter (simple and flavorful)
– Pasta e fagioli (with beans and broth)
For extra freshness, toss cooked Farfalle with a light olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs before serving.

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How can I prevent Farfalle from sticking when boiling?

To avoid sticking, follow these steps:
1. Use enough water—fill a large pot with at least 4–5 quarts per pound of pasta.
2. Add salt generously—about 1–2 tablespoons of kosher salt per quart of water (this mimics the saltiness of boiling water in restaurants).
3. Stir frequently—especially in the last 2 minutes of cooking to break up any clumps.
4. Work in batches—if your pot is too small, cook pasta in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Don’t overcrowd—if you’re making a large batch, let the pasta sit in the cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.

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Can Farfalle be made with whole wheat or gluten-free flour?

Yes! Farfalle can be adapted for dietary preferences:
– Whole wheat Farfalle—use whole wheat flour (or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose) in the recipe, adjusting liquid slightly if needed for consistency.
– Gluten-free Farfalle—replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of xanthan gum for binding, and cook slightly longer (10–12 minutes) since GF pasta can be gummy.
– Check labels—some pre-made gluten-free pasta brands may require specific instructions, so refer to the package.