Bowtie Pasta Tossed with Feta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Al dente bowtie pasta coated in a garlic-infused creamy sauce with tangy feta cheese and sweet sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean pasta dish. This greek-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes blends bowtie (farfalle) pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavor.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 5 oz crumbled feta cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the feta starts to melt.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bowtie Pasta Tossed with Feta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Bowtie Pasta Tossed with Feta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bowtie Pasta Tossed with Feta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bowtie Pasta Tossed with Feta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bowtie Pasta Tossed with Feta, Sundried Tomatoes, and Garlic Sauce?

Greek pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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