Farfalline, the tiny version of the iconic farfalle (bow-tie pasta), may be small in size, but it certainly packs a punch in the flavor department. Farfalline’s delicate shape makes it perfect for all sorts of culinary adventures, from light salads to rich, creamy sauces. While farfalle may be a household name, farfalline offers the same versatility with a bit more elegance and a bite-sized charm. Whether you’re a pasta lover or someone looking to try something new, farfalline is here to impress.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 must-try farfalline dishes that range from fresh and light to hearty and comforting. These recipes will showcase the beauty of farfalline and prove just how versatile it can be in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
1. Creamy Lemon Farfalline with Parmesan and Garlic
This creamy lemon farfalline is a light yet flavorful pasta dish that blends zesty lemon, garlic, and Parmesan into a creamy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for a light dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline in salted water according to package directions, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked farfalline to the pan and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This dish is the perfect balance of rich and refreshing, making it a great addition to any weeknight meal.
2. Farfalline with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
This vibrant recipe combines the goodness of roasted vegetables with the tangy kick of feta cheese, all tossed with farfalline for a comforting yet light meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, onion, and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Cook the farfalline in salted water and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked farfalline. Add crumbled feta cheese and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
The combination of roasted vegetables and feta creates a comforting yet light dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any season.
3. Farfalline with Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This vibrant dish blends the rich flavors of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, giving the farfalline an Italian twist. It’s packed with flavor, making it ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline in salted water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Toss the cooked farfalline with pesto sauce and add sun-dried tomatoes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy the bold, nutty flavors of pesto, with the addition of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and crunchy pine nuts.
4. Farfalline in Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce
For those who love a little heat in their pasta, this spicy arrabbiata sauce paired with farfalline creates an exciting dish bursting with flavor. The spiciness of the sauce combined with the smooth texture of the pasta makes for a satisfying and bold meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the farfalline in salted water, then drain.
- Toss the farfalline in the arrabbiata sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
This arrabbiata sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and spice to the farfalline, creating an irresistible dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.
5. Farfalline Salad with Grilled Chicken and Avocado
A light yet hearty salad, this farfalline dish combines fresh ingredients like grilled chicken and avocado for a satisfying meal that works as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline according to the package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the farfalline, grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to combine and serve chilled.
This refreshing salad is packed with healthy fats from the avocado, lean protein from the chicken, and fresh veggies for added crunch and flavor.
6. Farfalline with Carbonara Sauce
A classic Italian dish with a twist, this farfalline carbonara is creamy, savory, and indulgent. The rich carbonara sauce pairs beautifully with the bite-sized farfalline, creating a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, cook pancetta or bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the farfalline in the pancetta, then slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to prevent scrambling.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
This carbonara sauce brings a rich, creamy texture to the farfalline, making it the perfect dish for any pasta lover.
7. Farfalline with Shrimp and Asparagus
This seafood-inspired dish combines tender shrimp and fresh asparagus in a garlic butter sauce, all served over farfalline for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline in salted water and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and asparagus, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and asparagus is tender.
- Add white wine and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Toss the farfalline with the shrimp and asparagus mixture, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
This dish combines the delicate flavors of shrimp and asparagus with a rich, buttery sauce for a light yet flavorful pasta experience.
8. Farfalline with Mushroom and Cream Sauce
For a creamy, earthy pasta dish, this farfalline with mushroom and cream sauce is a must-try. The mushrooms bring an umami depth to the dish, while the creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline in salted water and drain.
- In a pan, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until browned and tender.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the farfalline in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve.
This creamy mushroom sauce pairs wonderfully with the bite-sized farfalline, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
9. Farfalline with Broccoli and Garlic
A simple yet flavorful dish, farfalline with broccoli and garlic is a great option for those who want something light but still packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline and broccoli in salted water until tender.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Toss the farfalline and broccoli in the garlic oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve.
This simple dish is a great way to enjoy the freshness of broccoli with the satisfying texture of farfalline.
10. Farfalline with Tomato Basil Sauce
This classic Italian-inspired dish is made with a fresh tomato basil sauce, creating a vibrant, flavorful pasta that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz farfalline
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the farfalline in salted water and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften.
- Toss the farfalline in the tomato basil sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve.
This dish brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of tomatoes and basil together with the delicate farfalline pasta for a truly classic meal.
Farfalline may be small in size, but its potential in the kitchen is enormous. These 10 creative dishes showcase how versatile this tiny bow-tie pasta can be. From creamy lemon sauces to savory shrimp and mushroom creations, farfalline offers endless possibilities. Try these recipes, and you’ll see why farfalline deserves a permanent place on your dinner table!