Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Mozzarella

Name: Bow Tie Pasta With Pesto And Mozzarella
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250g bow tie pasta; 200g fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes; Salt, to taste; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; 50g fresh basil leaves; 30g pine nuts; 40g grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic; 100ml olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Light Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making Bow Tie Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella for its vibrant flavors and eye-catching presentation. The combination of the nutty and aromatic pesto with the creamy mozzarella creates a dish that's both satisfying and refreshing. It's incredibly quick to prepare, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when I'm craving something delicious yet easy. Once you try this recipe, you'll find yourself making it again and again as it embodies a wonderful balance of taste, texture, and color.

Created by

Sophie Adams

Last updated on 2026-02-27T23:37:35.725Z

When I first made this dish, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The vibrant green of the pesto really pops against the bow tie pasta and melty mozzarella. I experimented with different nuts in the pesto, and I found that pine nuts give the best flavor, though walnuts work beautifully too. Using fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture that elevates the dish.

One tip I learned is to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta better, creating a rich and cohesive flavor in every bite. Trust me; it makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and fresh flavor of homemade pesto
Creamy mozzarella that complements the pasta perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion

Preparing the Perfect Pesto

To achieve a vibrant and aromatic pesto, the quality of your basil is crucial. Fresh basil should have a bright green color without any spots or wilting. For best results, use a food processor or a mortar and pestle to blend your ingredients. The traditional method with a mortar gives a coarser texture, which some may find more appealing. Also, remember to toast your pine nuts lightly in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before blending. This simple step enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to your pesto.

When adding oil to your pesto, it's important to incorporate it slowly while blending to emulsify the mixture properly. This creates a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully. If your pesto appears too thick, you can adjust its consistency by adding a splash of warm water or more olive oil. Avoid over-processing; you want your pesto to retain some texture for a delightful contrast with the smooth pasta.

Cooking Bow Tie Pasta

Cooking the bow tie pasta to the perfect 'al dente' texture is essential. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. For best results, taste the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions say it’s done. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly when you mix it with the hot pesto. Adding salt to the water is key; it enhances the pasta's flavor significantly and prevents it from tasting bland once combined with the other ingredients.

After draining the pasta, be sure to reserve that half-cup of cooking water. This starchy water is a game-changer for adjusting the sauce’s consistency. If you find that the pasta and pesto mixture lacks moisture, adding a bit of the reserved water can help it become silky and glossy. I've found that starting with just a few tablespoons and mixing well is the best approach; you can always add more if needed.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

250g bow tie pasta
200g fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
Salt, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Pesto

50g fresh basil leaves
30g pine nuts
40g grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
100ml olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Make the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil until smooth.

Combine Pasta and Pesto

In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the pesto. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Add Mozzarella

Gently fold in the fresh mozzarella cubes, ensuring they don't break apart. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts lightly before adding them to the pesto. It enhances the nutty aroma and taste.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, consider serving your bow tie pasta in a large, shallow bowl or plate, allowing the vibrant green pesto and white mozzarella to stand out. Garnish each serving with a few extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the dish visually and enhance flavors with a touch of richness.

To complement this dish, a simple side salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette works wonders. The acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and pesto, creating a balanced meal. For a more substantial serving, pair with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to scoop up the delicious pesto.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, the components can be prepared separately. The pesto stays fresh in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just place a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing to prevent browning. Cooked bow tie pasta can be stored in the fridge for about 3-5 days. When ready to serve, mix the pesto and pasta together while gently reheating on the stove over low heat to prevent the mozzarella from breaking down.

Freezing the dish is also an option. However, I recommend freezing the pesto separately since the cheese can change texture once thawed. You can freeze the pesto in ice cube trays to portion it out easily later. When you're ready to enjoy the dish, simply cook fresh pasta and heat the frozen pesto in a skillet, combining them for a quick meal any day of the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto can be a quick alternative if you're short on time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can add sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water.