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: 300g bow tie pasta; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 2 cloves garlic; 250g fresh mozzarella, cubed; Salt and pepper to taste; Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Smart Ideas

I’ve fallen head over heels for this Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella. When I first made this dish, the combination of fresh basil pesto and creamy mozzarella brought my taste buds alive! It’s a wonderfully light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The vibrant colors and flavors make it a feast for the eyes as well. Plus, the best part? It’s quick to prepare, providing us with more time to enjoy it with friends and family. You’ll definitely want to add this to your regular meal rotation!

Created by

Marnie Calder

Last updated on 2026-02-27T22:09:35.257Z

When I first attempted to create Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella, I was inspired by a meal I enjoyed at a local café. I wanted to replicate that bold flavor profile at home. The key to the success of this dish lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly the basil and mozzarella. I also found that allowing the pasta to slightly cool before adding the pesto gives it a more balanced flavor.

As I experimented, I discovered the perfect cooking time for the pasta to achieve that al dente texture. This not only elevates the dish but also helps the pesto cling beautifully to the pasta. Adding the mozzarella just before serving ensures it remains soft and creamy, making each bite a delight!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh, vibrant flavors from homemade pesto.
Creamy mozzarella adds richness to each bite.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.

Mastering the Pesto

A key element of Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella is, of course, the pesto itself. To achieve that vibrant, fresh flavor, opt for high-quality, fresh basil. It's best to use basil leaves that are bright green and fragrant. Avoid any brown or wilting leaves, as they can negatively impact the taste. When blending, pulse the mixture rather than running the processor continuously; this helps to keep the pesto from becoming too oily and over-processed. Your goal should be a chunky but smooth consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta.

For a twist on the traditional pesto, consider swapping out pine nuts for walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its own unique flavor profile; for example, walnuts add a slight earthiness while almonds lend a milder nutty taste. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of garlic according to your palate. If you prefer a milder taste, allow the garlic to roast in the oven for a few minutes before blending; this mellows the sharpness significantly while enhancing the overall flavor.

Texture and Timing

The textures you achieve in this dish are paramount. Cooking the pasta until it's al dente (firm to the bite) not only provides a pleasing mouthfeel but also allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the pesto beautifully. When draining the pasta, be sure not to rinse it as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere. If you're preparing the pasta a bit ahead of time, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking—this will keep it fluffy until you're ready to combine it with the pesto.

When adding the mozzarella, do so gently; you want the cubes to remain intact and give delightful bursts of creaminess as you bite into them. Consider using burrata for an even richer experience—its creamy center provides an indulgence that pairs wonderfully with the herbal notes of the pesto. If looking for lower-fat options, part-skim mozzarella can work, but it may slightly alter the richness of your dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella:

Ingredients

300g bow tie pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
250g fresh mozzarella, cubed
Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delightful Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto until well combined. Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Your Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto. This will bring out a richer, nuttier flavor in your sauce.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and balances the dish beautifully. Additionally, serving this pasta dish alongside a light arugula salad with a simple vinaigrette can elevate your meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella.

If you're serving a crowd, this pasta dish holds up nicely for potlucks or gatherings. To serve, you can present it in a large bowl garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and additional basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is wonderfully versatile for meal prepping. You can prepare the pesto a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the pesto from browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. This will help preserve its vibrant green color and fresh taste when you're ready to use it.

When storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the mozzarella. If the pasta seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of water to help it regain its original creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for a quicker option, but making it fresh really enhances the flavor!

→ How can I store leftover pasta?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use vegan mozzarella for a delicious vegan version.