Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Mozzarella

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Mozzarella
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz bow tie pasta; Salt for boiling water; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup pine nuts; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed; Fresh basil leaves for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Highlighted under: Healthy Comfort Foods

I absolutely adore making bow tie pasta with pesto and mozzarella, as it’s a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. The combination of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a heavenly experience. This dish is not only quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays, but it also showcases a vibrant green sauce that looks stunning on any table. Every bite offers a balance of texture and taste that my family loves!

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-02-27T12:01:34.637Z

When I first experimented with this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it came together, yet how satisfying it turned out. The homemade pesto is key; blending fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil creates a bright flavor that elevates the pasta. One tip I’ve learned is to reserve some pasta water to help adjust the consistency of the pesto sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the bow ties.

Each time I serve this recipe, I watch as my loved ones savor every bite. The enjoyment is not just in the flavor but in the vibrant colors on the plate. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving adds an extra layer of richness that’s utterly irresistible!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh basil pesto that bursts with flavor
Creamy mozzarella that melts beautifully
Quick and easy to make for any occasion

Mastering the Pesto

The key to a vibrant basil pesto lies in the freshness of the ingredients. Use only the brightest green basil leaves, and consider using pine nuts that are lightly toasted to enhance their flavor. When blending, be careful not to over-process the mixture; you want the pesto to retain some texture, which adds a delightful contrast to the smooth pasta. A food processor is ideal for achieving this balance, but if you prefer a more traditional method, a mortar and pestle works beautifully for a rustic finish.

Seasoning is crucial when making pesto. Start with a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked pepper, but remember that added grated Parmesan will also introduce saltiness. Adjust to your taste, and don’t hesitate to add more olive oil if necessary to reach that perfectly glossy consistency. My favorite tip is to reserve some of the pasta cooking water, which can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it easier to toss everything together.

Preparing the Bow Tie Pasta

Cooking the bow tie pasta to the perfect al dente texture is essential for this dish. Follow the package instructions closely, but start checking for doneness a minute or two early. You should feel a slight resistance when biting into the pasta. If overcooked, the pasta will become mushy and won't hold up well when mixed with the pesto. To further enhance the dish, make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.

After draining the pasta, don't rinse it! Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces adhere. Instead, toss the pasta with a splash of olive oil and the reserved pasta water immediately after draining to keep it from sticking together. This technique ensures your pasta stays flavorful and provides a silky base for the pesto to cling to during assembly.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz bow tie pasta
Salt for boiling water

For the Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly

8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Pesto

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, and reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Gently fold in the mozzarella cubes.

Serve

Divide the pasta into serving bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Enjoy immediately!

For an extra touch, add cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for protein.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the pesto by adding spinach or arugula for a different green flavor, or substitute walnuts for pine nuts if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Bow tie pasta with pesto and mozzarella is a versatile dish that can be served as a main or a side. To turn it into a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp, which complements the fresh flavors wonderfully. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can be mixed in for added texture and nutrition, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Don’t forget to balance the dish with sides that enhance its flavors. A simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, offering peppery notes that contrast the creamy mozzarella. Freshly baked garlic bread or a light tomato bruschetta can also serve as delightful accompaniments that bring in additional flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’d like to prepare the dish in advance, consider making the pesto ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week without losing its vibrant flavor. For longer storage, freeze the pesto in ice cube trays; this allows you to use just the right amount for future meals. When ready to use, simply thaw the cubes in the refrigerator or toss them directly into the warm pasta.

When storing the finished pasta, it’s best to keep the components separate to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture from the pesto. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, while the pesto can last up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a pan or microwave and add additional olive oil to restore its original texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pesto and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

→ What can I use instead of mozzarella?

You can use feta cheese or goat cheese as a tangy alternative.

→ Can I freeze the leftover pesto?

Absolutely! You can freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy use in future recipes.

→ What vegetables can I add to the pasta?

Consider adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.