Tomato-Mushroom Bow Tie Pasta
A vibrant, flavorful bow tie pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked bow tie pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil ⓘ
- 2 lb. plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced fresh basil or 4 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with the oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and green onions; sauté until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, until tomatoes are softened and flavors meld.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the tomato-mushroom mixture and toss well.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar when you stir in the tomatoes. You can substitute the fresh mushrooms with canned mushrooms or even roasted red peppers for a different twist. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of heavy cream just before serving. This dish is also excellent with the addition of protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, like a Spinach-Avocado Salad, or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean touch, consider serving it alongside White Bean Bruschetta as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato-Mushroom Bow Tie Pasta contains roughly 743 calories, with 65g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (336% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2257mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh; just use about 2 cups of diced canned tomatoes. Drain excess liquid to prevent the dish from becoming watery. This makes for a quicker preparation and works well if fresh tomatoes aren't in season.
What can I do if I don't have fresh herbs?
If you don't have fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs are a great alternative. For this recipe, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 2 teaspoons of dried parsley. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you may want to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also use plant-based butter or olive oil for sautéing and ensure that your pasta is egg-free, which many brands offer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).