Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs is a delicious easy 15-minute dinner with bow tie pasta tossed simply with EVOO, garlic, red pepper flakes and toasty homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs.
These bow tie slurping noodles have a light and bright lemony, garlic herbed, red pepper spiced sauce. We topped our farfalle with these killer good homemade season breadcrumbs for that added crunch. Comfort noodles that pack a real punch of flavor with just a handful of pantry ingredients. You gotta love that!
Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs is that super easy pantry recipe you can make when you have no idea what to make for dinner. For more delicious pantry recipes, be sure to check out our 17 Pantry Recipes for Emergency Preparedness.
Jump to:
- What is Farfalle?
- What is Aglio e Olio?
- What's to Love
- How to Cook Pasta Noodles?
- Boiling Water
- Salt your Pasta Water
- How to prevent your pasta from sticking in the pot?
- How long to cook your pasta noodles?
- Tossing Pasta in Sauce
- Homemade Breadcrumbs Rock!
- Italy: Fresh Simple Foods made Simply
- More Noodle Recipes From Around the World
- Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs
What is Farfalle?
The little bowtie pasta shape is called farfalle. This shape is fun, and kids just love it. Farfalle holds on to sauces with all of its little nooks and crannies. However, we also make a batch of gluten free Farfalle pasta that is also egg free (as we have allergy issues in our family) .
You can make this recipe with regular pasta or gluten free. Both options are delicious. The great part about this recipe is that it uses only a handful of ingredients and many of them you have in your pantry right now.
What is Aglio e Olio?
“Aglio e Olio” is an Italian phrase that means garlic and olive oil.
Aglio = Garlic
e = and
Olio = Olive oil
What's to Love
- It’s so darn simple to make (If you can boil water, you can make this recipe)
- Requires only a handful of pantry items and you probably have them in your pantry right now. (Go check! We will wait.)
- Kids and adults both love it (Huge crowd pleaser)
- Vegan and gluten-free (but can be made with regular pasta and loads of Parmesan Cheese if you prefer)
- Budget Friendly like our roasted pepper pasta
- Perfect Fall Comfort Food
How to Cook Pasta Noodles?
Actually, if you are cooking your pasta noodles until they are al dente (or to the tooth pleasant. Not too soft or not too hard) you are probably overcooking them. You see for this Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs recipe; you will boil the farfalle (bowtie noodles) just until BEFORE al dente. Then you will do a quick cook in the pan again.
Let’s review the basic concepts of preparing the perfect pasta whether that be dried or fresh pasta. Check out this step by step diagram below on how to make Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs.
Boiling Water
Simple enough right? However, you need to make sure your pasta has enough room to cook in plenty of water. Use a large pot with at least 4-6 quarts of COLD/COOL water for 1 pound of pasta. Bring your water to a boil.
Salt your Pasta Water
Salt your pasta water generously. Your pasta water should taste salty like the sea. This is your one and only good chance to get a delicious seasoning into your pasta. For 4-6 quarts of water, you will need to add about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of salt.
We use kosher salt for this, you can use table salt as well. Unless, you are on a sodium restricted diet, don’t forget this step.
How to prevent your pasta from sticking in the pot?
When you add your pasta to the boiling water, be sure to stir several times during the cooking process. This will prevent the cooking process. Some will add oil to the boiling water but we feel that adds a weird texture to the noodles.
How long to cook your pasta noodles?
Do not rely on the package instructions for the time needed to cook your dried pasta. Every situation is different as it depends on how much pasta to water ratio, etc. Depend on your own tooth for measurement on when pasta is done cooking.
For dried pasta, you will want to check the box or packaging for directions on how long to cook until al dente. If a package say cook for 7 minutes or until al dente, start checking your noodles at about 4-5 minutes. Boil your noodles with the lid off. The best way to do a check it to take a bite.
Your goal is to have a noodle that is just slightly firmer than al dente. We check the pasta every 30 seconds after the first check until we are happy with the firmness level. Once you reach the perfect tooth feel, we drain the pasta immediately BUT we reserve a cup of pasta water or so for the pasta sauce. For fresh pasta it takes only between 1-3 minutes until al dente.
Tossing Pasta in Sauce
After, you drain your pasta in the colander, put it directly into the pan with your gently cooked aromatics and seasonings and toss well. Don’t Forget! Reserve at least one cup of pasta water for your sauce!
On medium heat, add a little of the pasta water, fresh parsley and toss well. This helps make a nice little sauce and seasons your pasta.
Remove your pasta from the heat and garnish as desired. In our case, we will be garnishing our Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs with fresh lemon zest, homemade breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese for the boys.
Homemade Breadcrumbs Rock!
Don’t throw away that day-old crusty bread as that make THE BEST HOMEMADE BREAD CRUMBS. This recipe came about from Italy as a way to use all those leftovers and reduce food waste. We love the fact that the breadcrumbs are extra crunchy, seasoned and have small crumbs and some larger crumbs and that makes it a fun bite.
Italy: Fresh Simple Foods made Simply
“Si mangia e si mangia bene,” which roughly translates to “You eat and eat well.” Have you ever lived in or visited Italy? If not, you certainly need to get this destination on your bucket list. If you love culture, arts, architecture and are a foodie, this visit is just for you.
During our visits to Italy, we obtained the true blessings of the 5 ingredient wonders of the world. Fresh simple foods made simply. With Italian cooking, there is no fussing about in the kitchen with prepping lots of exotic ingredients and spices. Actually, very few ingredients are used in Italian dishes. The ones that are used are very simple, fresh and made with love.
Life is about making the people you love both happy and nourished. At the end of day, it is about life balance and spending more time with the ones you love while enjoying some great food together. So, let’s get making some delicious Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs.
More Noodle Recipes From Around the World
Summer Rolls with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce – Vietnam
Soba Noodle Salad with Yuzu Dressing – Japan
Lemon Artichoke Chicken Pasta – Italy
Pad Thai Your Way – Thailand
Orecchiette and Chicken Sausage in a Garlic Wine Sauce – Italy
Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup) – Mexico
Better Than Take Out Vegetable Lo Mein – China
Trofie al Pesto – Italy
Golden Spiced Noodle Soup – Thailand
Butternut Squash Vegetarian Lasagna – Italy
One Pot Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta – America
Camote Bihon (Sweet Potato Noodles) – Philippines
Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodles - Japan
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Farfalle Aglio e Olio with Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
dry and seasoned (regular or gluten-free) - 4-6 quarts cool water
- 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 pound farfalle pasta bowtie (regular or gluten free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
extra virgin - 4 cloves garlic
thinly diced - ½-3/4 cups pasta water reserved from boiled pasta
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
dried to taste (optional) - ½ cup parsley chopped (or can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried Italian Seasoning)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tabelspoon lemon zest
Garnish
- bread crumbs
seasoned homemade - parmesan cheese
grated (optional) - Olive Oil drizzle extra virgin (optional)
Instructions
- You can use either homemade bread crumbs or store bought bread crumbs. (Breadcrumbs can be either regular or gluten-free.) If you are making your own seasoned homemade bread crumbs, follow the directions here https://www.hwcmagazine.com/recipe/homemade-bread-crumbs/ Set Aside. If using store bought seasoned dry bread crumbs, measure out. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot add cool water and bring to a boil. Add salt and stir until dissolved.
- Look at package instructions for cooking your pasta. For example, if the label reads cook 7 minutes until aldente, start checking your pasta at 4 minutes and every 30 seconds after that. Check for tooth feel. The goal is just slightly firmer than perfect aldente as your pasta will heat again in the pan with the sauce. Ours was ready at 6 minutes. (Don’t depend on the package instructions for cook time as each situation is different. Trust your tooth feel.)
- Add your dried farfalle (bowtie) pasta to the boiling water. (Important reserve some of the pasta water for later about one cup). Once your pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare your Farfalle Aglio e Olio: In a separate large sauté pan (Big enough for all of the pasta) place olive oil, red pepper flakes and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add your bread crumbs and cook until toasty. Remove half of the bread crumb mixture for the garnish and leave the remaining bread crumb mixture in the saute pan.
- Add your cooked pasta to the sauté pan. Stir gently and add about ½ to ¾ cup of the pasta water to make a light sauce. Your goal is to have the pasta slide around in the pan freely. They should not be swimming in water but also the pasta should not be sticking to each other. The amount depends on your cooking conditions and type of pasta used. Add the chopped parsley, salt and pepper to taste and toss. As the pasta water is well seasoned, we have found that we only like to add a little fresh cracked pepper. Turn off the heat and add the lemon zest and extra virgin olive oil and toss well.
- Garnish Farfalle Aglio e Olio with the remaining seasoned toasted Bread Crumbs, grated parmesan cheese and top off with a healthy drizzle of fresh EVOO. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Courtney says
What a fun type of pasta - I know my boys would've been begging me to use it, too. And you can never go wrong with a recipe from John. Gorgeous pics and a great reminder of what's important. (And love your new kitchen goodies.)
Healthy World Cuisine says
I thought the pasta was very special too. It is made with different vegetables in the pasta such as beets, spinach, etc to give it color. (Don't tell your kids then they might not want to eat it...)I am so loving my new kitchen toys an every day reminder of our lovely time in Italy.Take care, BAM
sweetsimplestuff says
Thank you for sharing your trip and the wonderful recipe ... all photos are simply gorgeous!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you! I think I might be having something sweet from Italy coming your way soon. So stay tuned. Take Care, BAM
kitchenriffs says
I'm loving your Italian series. Great pictures! You had some good times. And you've hit the nail on the head for the "secret" of Italian cooking - good ingredients, simply prepared. It's the "good" that most of us have problems with - it's hard for many of us to buy produce, for example, at it's peak (because we buy varieties that have been bred for shipping, not flavor). Good recipe. Thanks for this.
Healthy World Cuisine says
I can completely relate to the issues with fresh ingredients.(I live on an island - so everything for the most part has to get shipped in) I think that is why it is just best to cook with local ingredients when you can. I love and miss the farmers markets in my hometown. As you when you can trust the local farmers for their fresh crops, all your dishes taste wonderful.
Mary says
What a fantastic trip this must have been. The pasta sounds delicious and is almost as wonderful as your photos. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Healthy World Cuisine says
Hello Mary, I am glad you stopped by. Italy was a fantastic trip! A culinary dream come true. Take care, BAM
Karen says
Your colorful dish reminds me of all the wonderful colors in the doumo. We eat breadcrumb pasta on Christmas eve.
Healthy World Cuisine says
That is a great family tradition. I actually make Timpano- The pasta dome every Christmas eve. However the breadcrumb pasta is less than 15 minutes to prepare while the pasta dome is upwards of 4 hours of prep. I thought about switching the dishes but sometime you just can't break family traditions. Take Care, BAM
Jasline says
The bow-tie pasta is so cute and adds an interesting twist to your dish. And thank you for bringing me back to Italy! It's such a wonderful place and your photos are beautiful, I wish I can go back there again soon 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Jasline. Where is your next destination? Life is so interesting with you in it, as a blogging friend ,as I get to visit the world through the lens of your camera. Take care, BAM
rsmacaalay says
Thats a cool looking pasta, never seen one of those
Healthy World Cuisine says
I had to make some room in my suitcase for this unique bow tie pasta. I had also bought some local wine but to make room for the pasta I had to drink the wine before we left Italy. Oh the sacrifices one must partake in...LOL Take care, BAM
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise says
You are totally right Bam, there are days when I feel this mad speed we are living in is not actually living! and that everyone needs to slow down and smell the roses and smile
I love John's recipes and this one is no exception. He really shows you how cooking should not be that complex, it is an act of love, something to enjoyed and I look forward to enjoying this recipe.
I only wish I had some of that beautiful rainbow pasta
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you for your kind words. I made a promise to myself when I came back from this trip to stop the madness and simplify my life, even if it is for a few moments each day. I am much happier person for it. John's pasta dish is a also great with just regular spaghetti, so give it a try the kids will love it. Take care, BAM
Jeno says
Wow Bam, I enjoyed reading the Italian way of life very much! Even though I work for myself at the home office, life can still get stressful at times. I've always wanted to visit Italy (ever since watching this movie with Robert Downy Jr called "Only You" ), for their wine, food, and now for the easy goingness of the everyday life!
The pasta dish looks divine! I don't normally cook non-Asian cuisines, somehow they don't turn out well, as if I lack the magic touch. Though this one definitely looks doable, thank you for sharing!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Working at home, as I know can sometimes be more stress as you can't leave or relax, you are always at work...
I should try to rent this movie called "Only you" sounds great. Have you watched "Eat, Drink, man women"?
Don't let cooking dishes outside of your comfort zone keep you from trying new things. I like to try to cook something new from every part of the world, sometimes they do not turn out perfect but other times I even surprise myself. This dish is super easy compared to many of those delicious Asian dishes I have seen come out of your kitchen. Take care, BAM
cityhippyfarmgirl says
Such a beautiful city isn't it. I love all the intricate details in the architecture.
And I wholeheartedly agree about keeping meals simple, while not skimping on the taste.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Every place you look is a piece of art or stunning architecture, just amazing. I think it is the history of its past that makes it so beautiful. Take care, BAM
nancyc says
Thanks for the wonderful recipe, and for sharing about your trip to Italy! I need to go there sometime!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I hope with each new recipe from the Italy series I can talk some of my foodie friends into booking a trip there. I can share with you my experiences and pictures and even describe how something feels and tastes with great detail but there is nothing like experiencing it for yourself. Have a great day. BAM
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Reem! This is a kid friendly dish and even if you can't find the colored rainbow bow tie pasta any shape will do. A great weeknight meal. Take care, BAM
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
Thanks for taking us all along on your trip! It looks like it was a wonderful time!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Any time Joanne. I hope you are doing well. Take Care, BAM
Sammie says
Hi Bam!! I really love this post. You're such an inspirational writer! Those are great insights. You're right. Sometimes all we need to do is learn to appreciate the simple things we already have. And I must say I love simple recipes too!! Especially for cooking my meals. I really hate to spend so much money on expensive ingredients and only use it once! haha.. This pasta looks great! I'd have to make it some day. 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you for you very kind words Sammie. A perfect day for me is taking time to appreciate all the the people in your life (smelling the roses) and noticing the small things. Today I am stopping to smell the roses to enjoy friendships of such lovely fellow foodie friends, from all over the world, like yourself. Have a lovely weekend. BAM
ceciliag says
John always makes life simple. one of my dreams is to Move him into my kitchen permanently, maybe you would like to come too!! your pasta is gorgeous i have never heard of it before so am looking forward to trying it. Johns vege son is back today and he will love pasta with breadcrumbs i am sure!!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Lets ask John if he would be interested in doing a cooks house rotation. A couple of months at your place then a couple of months at mine. He might get exhausted at my house as he would be chained to the stove and held captive by my bottomless pit hungry teenage boys. So he could retire at your home for a rest. Take care. BAM