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Looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing side dish to round out tonight’s dinner? These Garlic-Butter Parmesan Bow-Ties come together in no time, yet pack in plenty of flavor. Perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or your favorite vegetarian main, this pasta side is sure to become your go-to for easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bow-tie pasta
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Begin by cooking your bow-tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically about 10 minutes or according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, place a medium skillet over low to medium heat.
Melt the butter together with the olive oil in the skillet. As soon as the butter is nearly melted, stir in the minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle for a minute or two, adjusting the heat if necessary to avoid browning. If you enjoy a little kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this point.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a small cup of the cooking water, then drain the noodles. Immediately add the pasta to the butter-garlic mixture in the skillet. Toss well, adding a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta, along with the salt and pepper. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt and everything is well combined. Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
This dish is delightful for just about everyone—families who want something fast and flavorful, or busy professionals seeking a simple, comforting side. Feel free to swap in whole wheat pasta or omit the cheese for dietary preferences. The combination of garlicky butter and a dusting of Parmesan is always a winner, and with such minimal prep, you’ll love keeping this recipe handy for any last-minute meal additions.
