Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Featured in: Vegetarian & Plant-Based Grill

Enjoy a vibrant dish featuring bow tie pasta combined with oven-roasted bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. The medley is enhanced by a bright lemon-garlic dressing with olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard, creating a fresh and zesty flavor. Finished with crumbled feta, fresh basil, parsley, and optional toasted pine nuts, this dish brings together a balance of textures and aromas. Perfect served warm or at room temperature for festive gatherings.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 16:19:00 GMT
A platter of vibrant Festive Bow Tie Pasta, bursting with colorful roasted vegetables and herbs. Save
A platter of vibrant Festive Bow Tie Pasta, bursting with colorful roasted vegetables and herbs. | bitegrill.com

A vibrant and colorful pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta tossed with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing—perfect for celebrations or special gatherings.

This recipe has become a family favorite for holiday gatherings and summer parties. The combination of roasted vegetables and tangy dressing never disappoints.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
  • Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium red bell pepper, diced, 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced, 1 medium zucchini, chopped, 1 small red onion, sliced, 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • To Finish: 60 g (2 oz) crumbled feta cheese, 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 30 g (1 oz) toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2:
Toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 3:
Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 5:
Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to combine.
Step 6:
Sprinkle with feta cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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This pasta platter is often the highlight of our family celebrations, bringing everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.

Required Tools

Large pot, baking sheet, mixing bowls, whisk, serving bowl

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) in pasta, milk in feta cheese, and pine nuts (tree nuts, optional). Check ingredient labels for possible traces of allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 390, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 10 g (per serving)

Tossed bow tie pasta with roasted vegetables and zesty dressing makes a beautiful Festive Bow Tie Pasta dish. Save
Tossed bow tie pasta with roasted vegetables and zesty dressing makes a beautiful Festive Bow Tie Pasta dish. | bitegrill.com

This pasta platter is perfect for sharing and can be served warm or chilled, making it ideal for any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

What type of pasta is used?

Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, lends a playful shape and texture ideal for holding the dressing and vegetables.

How are the vegetables prepared?

Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are diced, tossed in olive oil and Italian herbs, then roasted until tender and caramelized.

What gives the dressing its zesty flavor?

The dressing combines lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil to create a bright and balanced zing.

Can the cheese be substituted?

Yes, crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess and tang, but it can be omitted or replaced with a plant-based alternative for vegan preferences.

How should this dish be served?

The pasta platter can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for celebrations and gatherings.

Festive Bow Tie Pasta

Colorful bow tie pasta with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon-garlic dressing.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Pasta

01 1 lb (500 g) bow tie (farfalle) pasta

Roasted Vegetables

01 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
02 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
03 1 medium zucchini, chopped
04 1 small red onion, sliced
05 7 oz (200 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
06 2 tbsp olive oil
07 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dressing

01 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 1 tsp lemon zest
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
06 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
07 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Finish

01 2 oz (60 g) crumbled feta cheese
02 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
03 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
04 1 oz (30 g) toasted pine nuts (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Phase 02

Prepare and Roast Vegetables: Toss red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.

Phase 03

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.

Phase 04

Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Phase 05

Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Add the roasted vegetables to the cooked pasta. Pour dressing over and toss gently to combine evenly.

Phase 06

Finish and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts, if using, over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) from pasta, milk from feta cheese, and tree nuts from pine nuts (optional).

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Proteins: 10 g