Imagine a pasta dish that transports you to a vibrant culinary landscape with just one bite - this Farfalle with Cilantro Salsa is exactly that magical creation! Combining the classic Italian pasta shape with a zesty, fresh salsa, this recipe breaks traditional boundaries and delivers an explosion of bright, tangy flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning dish to impress your guests, this recipe proves that gourmet doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cilantro salsa. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion.
- Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the ingredients to combine and let sit to allow flavors to meld.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the prepared cilantro salsa. Toss gently to combine, using a small amount of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra fresh cilantro leaves if preferred.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season the pasta from within.
- For the freshest flavor, use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro.
- Let the cilantro salsa sit for 5-10 minutes before mixing with pasta to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the farfalle.
- For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled queso fresco.
- If you're not a huge cilantro fan, you can substitute with fresh parsley for a milder herb profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
