This creamy bow tie pasta is from Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table cookbook, and it is a dish that always feels warm and easy to enjoy. It uses farfalle pasta mixed with a simple garlic cream sauce. The sauce also has artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh kale that softens as it cooks. The cream and cheese make the pasta rich and smooth, and the tomatoes add a little tang that balances the flavor. It all cooks in one pan. I will tell you step by step on how to make this flavorful Joanna Gaines bowtie pasta recipe , along with some flavorful variations to change it however you like.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Creamy bow tie pasta: This Joanna Gaines bowtie pasta recipe is a simple farfalle pasta dish from Joanna Gaines’s Magnolia Table cookbook, and it has a rich and cozy flavor.
- Quick to cook: You can prepare this whole dish in about thirty minutes, and you only need a pot, a skillet, and a few basic ingredients.
- Tasty garnishes: Toasted walnuts and fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a nice finishing touch and a little crunch.
- Key ingredients: This Joanna Gaines bowtie pasta recipe uses heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh kale to make a smooth and tangy sauce.
- Easy to change: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or extra vegetables if you want to make the pasta even more filling.
What Is Joanna Gaines Bowtie Pasta
Joanna Gaines bow tie pasta is a creamy and comforting farfalle dish made with simple ingredients. The pasta is coated in a smooth sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic. Artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes are mixed in to give the sauce a tangy and savory flavor. Fresh baby kale, or spinach if you prefer, is added at the end and softens just enough to blend into the pasta. This dish is known for its warm and balanced taste.
Flavorful Variations of Bowtie Pasta
Creamy Bowtie Version
You can make the pasta even richer by adding a little more cheese or dairy to the sauce. Extra Parmesan melts into the cream and makes the sauce thicker and smoother. You can also stir in a spoon of ricotta or mascarpone for a soft, silky texture.
Chicken or Shrimp Version
If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or sautéed shrimp. Slice the chicken into thin strips or cook the shrimp until pink, then stir them into the pasta when you mix the sauce and noodles. The warm sauce coats the chicken or shrimp nicely, and it turns the dish into a heartier meal.
Vegetable Bowtie Version
You can add more vegetables to make the pasta brighter and more colorful. Sauté mushrooms or bell peppers with the garlic at the start so they soften and blend into the sauce. You can also add peas or small roasted broccoli pieces when you mix in the kale or spinach. These veggies bring extra flavor and make the dish feel a little fresher.
Recipe for Joanna Gaines Bowtie Pasta
Joanna Gaines Bowtie Pasta Recipe
6
servings15
minutes25
minutes820
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
12 ounces bow tie pasta
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 jar artichoke hearts, 14 ounces, drained and chopped
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh Additions and Seasonings
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups baby kale or spinach
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped, optional
¼ cup chopped chives or parsley
- Optional Add Ins
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1 cup cooked shrimp
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup peas
1 cup diced bell peppers
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon lemon zest
How To Make Joanna Gaines Bowtie Pasta
- Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook it until it feels firm but cooked through. Stir now, and then so the pasta does not stick together. When it is done, drain the pasta and keep about half a cup of the cooking water aside. This water helps fix the sauce later if it gets too thick. - Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about thirty seconds until it smells nice and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir slowly until the mixture becomes smooth. Add most of the Parmesan and keep stirring until the sauce thickens. Let it simmer gently so the cream stays smooth. - Step 3: Add Vegetables or Extras
Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes. Add the baby kale or spinach and let it wilt for one or two minutes. Season the sauce with a little salt and black pepper. The vegetables soften quickly and blend into the creamy sauce. - Step 4: Combine the Sauce and Pasta
Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta. Toss the pasta gently so every piece is coated. If the sauce feels too thick or heavy, add a small splash of the pasta water you saved. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta and keeps it smooth. Let everything warm together for about a minute. - Step 5: Adjust Texture and Flavor
Taste the pasta and check the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if you need it. If the sauce still feels thick, stir in a little more pasta water. For a richer taste, you can add more Parmesan or a small piece of butter. A little lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a bright finish. - Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Serve the pasta while it is warm. Add toasted walnuts on top for crunch and sprinkle chives or parsley for fresh flavor. These toppings make the dish feel complete and add a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.
Tips for Better Bowtie Pasta
How To Keep the Pasta Al Dente
Use a big pot with plenty of water and add enough salt so the water tastes like light seawater. This helps the pasta cook evenly and gives it better flavor. Stir the pasta once in a while so the pieces do not stick together. Start checking the pasta a minute before the package time. It should feel tender on the outside but still firm in the center. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when you mix it with the warm sauce.
How To Make the Sauce Creamier
Keep the heat at medium-low so the cream does not boil or separate. Add the Parmesan slowly and use freshly shredded cheese if you can, because it melts more smoothly. Whisk the sauce gently as the cheese melts to help it turn silky. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little of the pasta water or a splash of extra cream to loosen it. This keeps the sauce smooth and easy to coat the pasta.
How To Balance the Seasoning
Add salt slowly because Parmesan and cream cheese already have salt in them, and the sauce can become salty very fast. Add enough black pepper to bring out the flavor. If the sauce tastes heavy, add a little lemon juice or some fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This gives the dish a lighter and fresher taste.
What To Serve With Bowtie Pasta
Light Sides
This creamy pasta pairs nicely with something light and fresh on the side. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the sauce. You can also serve steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. These vegetables add color and a gentle crunch that goes well with the soft, creamy pasta.
Heavier Pairings
If you want something more filling, garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf is always a good match. The bread soaks up the extra sauce and makes the meal feel cozy. You can also serve grilled chicken, steak, or sausage alongside the pasta for added protein. These heavier sides turn the dish into a complete, satisfying dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Bowtie Pasta
- Not salting the pasta water: The pasta tastes bland if the water has no salt, so make sure the water is well-salted before cooking.
- Overcooking the pasta: The pasta should be al dente, which means it should be soft on the outside but still slightly firm in the center. So, check it early and stop cooking before it becomes mushy.
- Boiling the sauce too hard: High heat can make the cream separate, so keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so it stays smooth and creamy.
- Not stirring often: Cheese can stick to the pan and form lumps, so stir the sauce regularly while it melts.
- Forgetting pasta water: A little pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta, so always save some before draining.
- Skipping garnishes: Toppings like walnuts and chives add crunch and freshness, and they make the dish taste more complete.
Storage and Reheating
How To Store
Place the leftover pasta in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for three to four days. Add a small drizzle of olive oil before storing so the pasta does not stick together. This helps keep the pasta soft and easier to reheat later.
How To Reheat
Warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth as it heats to bring the sauce back to a creamy texture. If you use a microwave, heat the pasta in short bursts, stirring between each round. Add a little more liquid if the sauce seems too thick, so it stays smooth.
Can You Freeze It
Creamy pasta can separate when you freeze it, so the texture might not be the same. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm it slowly and stir in a bit of cream or cheese to help the sauce come together again.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories820
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
48.3g
62%
- Saturated Fat 17g 85%
- Cholesterol 126mg 42%
- Total Carbohydrate
49.2g
18%
- Dietary Fiber 7.71g 25%
- Total Sugars 20.9g
- Protein 30.5g 60%
- Calcium 112mg 9%
- Iron 5.21mg 29%
- Potassium 1617mg 35%
- Vitamin C 43.8mg 49%
- Vitamin K 75.3mcg 63%
- Thiamin 0.25mg 21%
- Riboflavin 0.28mg 22%
- Niacin 4.16mg 26%
- Magnesium 0.91mg 1%
- Zinc 1.08mg 10%
- Copper 0.63mg 70%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Disclaimer: Nutrition data for this recipe was calculated using the Recipe Blossom Nutrition Calculator. It’s designed to provide an estimate of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients based on standard ingredients and portion sizes.
However, actual values may vary depending on brands, substitutions, or preparation methods. For medically tailored nutrition advice, we recommend consulting with a registered dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Short shapes such as penne, rotini, shells, or rigatoni work well because they hold the creamy sauce. The texture will stay the same as long as you cook the pasta until it is firm in the center and soft on the outside.
Can I Make It Creamier?
You can make it creamier by adding a little more cream, cream cheese, or Parmesan. Let the sauce warm slowly so it stays smooth. You can also mix in a small spoon of ricotta or mascarpone for an extra-rich texture.
How Do I Keep the Pasta From Drying Out?
Add a splash of pasta water, milk, or broth if the sauce feels thick. The extra liquid helps loosen the sauce and keeps the pasta soft. You should store the pasta with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Protein to This Recipe?
Yes, you can add chicken, shrimp, or even cooked sausage. Stir the cooked protein into the sauce and pasta during the final mixing step so everything warms through and blends into the dish.
