Bow-tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is a versatile and visually appealing pasta shape. Its unique form makes it a favorite for a variety of dishes, from simple weeknight meals to elegant dinner party fare. Selecting the best bow-tie pasta ensures a delightful texture and consistent cooking performance for any culinary creation.
- Authentic Italian Pasta: De Cecco Farfalle is a traditional Italian pasta with a distinctive bow-tie shape. Perfect with light, delicate sauces, mild cheese sauces, or in colorful, imaginative pasta salads
- Premium Ingredients: We use durum wheat which is a high-protein, hard variety of wheat. The result is a smooth, firm bite that holds its shape and taste, giving you a superior pasta experience
- The De Cecco Method: Our pasta is renowned for its slow-drying process, where the pasta is gently dried at low temperatures for longer periods. This technique preserves the pasta's flavor, texture, and nutritional quality
- Endless Possibilities: Farfalle pairs beautifully with light tomato sauces, delicate cream sauces, or mild cheeses, and shines in colorful pasta salads. Its versatile shape helps turn every lunch and dinner into an unforgettable moment
- 16 ounces of organic farfalle pasta
- Made in Italy at an authentic pastificio
- Bronze cut and slowly dried to preserve flavor
- Made with organic durum wheat
- Rao’s Homemade Farfalle is a pasta known for its distinctive bow-tie shape with a perfect al dente texture and a delicious flavor that speaks for itself
- Farfalle pasta is frequently enjoyed with creamy or tomato sauces, and is great in pasta salads
- Traditionally bronze die cut pasta that's dried slow and low
- Non-GMO Project Verified and made with just 2 ingredients: house-milled semolina flour and water
- The information below is per-pack only
- Authentic Italian Pasta: De Cecco Farfalle is a traditional Italian pasta with a distinctive bow-tie shape. Perfect with light, delicate sauces, mild cheese sauces, or in colorful, imaginative pasta salads
- Premium Ingredients: We use durum wheat which is a high-protein, hard variety of wheat. The result is a smooth, firm bite that holds its shape and taste, giving you a superior pasta experience
- The De Cecco Method: Our pasta is renowned for its slow-drying process, where the pasta is gently dried at low temperatures for longer periods. This technique preserves the pasta's flavor, texture, and nutritional quality
- Classic Bow Tie Shape: Bow tie corbata pasta adds a fun shape to soups, salads, casseroles, and everyday meals.
- Versatile Pantry Staple: A reliable pasta cut for family dinners, lunchbox meals, and simple side dishes
- Smooth Texture: Cooks to a smooth texture that holds its shape well in hot dishes and chilled salads.
- Cook Time: Cooks in 9 to 11 minutes, making it a practical option for weeknight meals and quick lunches.
- One 12 ounce box of Farfalle Pasta
- Cooks al dente in 8 minutes
- Great with Basil Pesto Sauce
- Contains: Wheat.. May contain: Egg
- MINI FARFALLE PASTA: Mini farfalle pasta is a miniature version of farfalle pasta, also known as "bowtie pasta," which are rectangular or oval pieces of pasta that are pinched in the middle
- BARILLA PASTA: Made with durum wheat to deliver great taste and perfect "al dente" texture every time
- CREATE DELICIOUS PASTA MEALS: Pair mini farfalle pasta with intense fragrances and flavors—try it with light pasta sauces with vegetables or fish, a dairy-based pasta sauce, a simple oil-based pasta sauce, or in pasta salads
- COOKS TO PERFECTION EVERY TIME: Perfect pasta in 7-8 minutes
- BARILLA PROTEIN PLUS PASTA: Good source of plant-based protein with a classic taste, simple ingredients, and farfalle pasta shape
- PROTEIN PLUS FARFALLE PASTA: Each 14.5 ounce box contains about 7, 2-ounce servings of plant based pasta
- PLANT BASED PASTA: Made with 17g of 100% plant-based protein from lentil flour, pea protein and chickpea flour per 3.5 oz. serving—it's a good source of fiber
- KOSHER CERTIFIED & NON-GMO PASTA: Barilla protein pasta is Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher certified and is made in the USA
- 16 oz organic papillon pasta from Italy's Puglia region
- Made with 100% durum wheat semolina
- Slow-dried at 140°F to enhance flavors and aromas
- Perfect butterfly shape holds sauce beautifully
This article is part of our complete guide Pantry Staples — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Bow-Tie Pasta
Understanding Farfalle Pasta
Farfalle, meaning "butterflies" in Italian, is characterized by its pinched center and ruffled edges. This distinctive shape holds sauces well, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications. When choosing farfalle, consider its size – smaller varieties are often preferred for lighter sauces and salads, while larger, jumbo farfalle can stand up to heartier, creamier, or meat-based sauces.
Key Ingredients and Quality
The primary ingredient in most quality pasta is durum wheat semolina. This hard wheat variety is essential for achieving the ideal al dente texture, providing a firm bite that doesn't become mushy. Look for pasta made with 100% durum wheat semolina and water. Some artisanal producers may offer variations made with whole wheat, or even gluten-free options using alternative flours like rice, corn, or lentil, which can be excellent choices for those with dietary restrictions.
Texture and Cooking Performance
The "bite" of the pasta is crucial. High-quality farfalle should cook evenly and maintain its shape without breaking apart. The ruffled edges and pinched center should remain intact throughout the cooking process. Different brands may have slightly different milling processes or extrusion techniques, which can affect how the pasta absorbs sauce and its overall mouthfeel. Tasting a piece cooked al dente is the best way to judge its texture.
Packaging and Storage
Farfalle pasta is typically sold in boxes or bags. Ensure the packaging is intact to prevent contamination and maintain freshness. Once opened, store the pasta in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. This will help preserve its quality and prevent it from absorbing odors or moisture. Properly stored, dry pasta can last for a very long time.
Comparison Tips
- Shape Consistency: Examine the pasta for uniformity in size and shape. Consistent pieces cook more evenly.
- Ingredient List: Prioritize pasta made with durum wheat semolina for the best texture. Check for whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed.
- Brand Reputation: While not always indicative, well-regarded pasta brands often have a history of producing quality products.
- Texture Test: If possible, try a small batch from different brands to compare their al dente texture and sauce-holding capabilities.
