Farfelle alla Vesuviana: Easy Pasta recipe (bowties)

 

I have made this fabulous pasta recipe four times since I discovered it in the book 250 True Italian Pasta Dishes by John Coletta. I’ve made countless recipes from here, many of which I’ve wanted to share with you, but the photos have always been dreadful. These aren’t stellar, but they were worth sharing anyway!

I’ve made this recipe with spaghetti twice, once with ziti, and now with farfelle, also known as bowtie pasta. Of the recipes I have tried, there hasn’t been a single one we haven’t enjoyed. They all share the same basic method and once I had made one or two, I figured out exactly how to throw together a fabulous pasta dinner, with or without meat, that satisfies and tastes great.

This particular recipe in the book is actually called Spaghetti alla Vesuviana. The author makes note that this dish is a great substitute for those who don’t like anchovies (me! me!) but like the flavor of the caper-olive sauce (again, me! me!). He also notes that there’s no relation to the potato and chicken “vesuvio” dishes created in Chicago. I’ve never heard of those, but the name actually reminded me of the Soprano’s.. you know, Arty’s restaurant? Vesuvio’s? He he.

Amanda’s Notes:

1) I’ve made this with both Italian olives and regular green olives. It’s good both ways, but MUCH better with Italian olives. In fact, the kids and hubby ate much more of the pasta that had the Italian olives. I found a jar of green olives marinated with red bell peppers and garlic that were fabulous! John says those are a wonderful substitute if you can’t find Italian green olives. See if there’s an Italian market near you.

2) Italian parsley – this is flat leaf parsley, not the curly stuff that’s used as a garnish. Italian parsley is less bitter and has a lot more flavor.

3) Use a good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor. Even though I do, my husband still shakes that Kraft parmesan crap all over his dinner (“Marone!”)

4) Alway put your water on to boil first, without the salt, and cover it. That way the water will be ready when you are ready to add the pasta.

5) Never rinse your pasta. The starch left on the noodles after draining helps the sauce stick!

6) Vesuvian – from what I’ve been able to find out, this word translated is basically vesuvian, which means “volcanic”, “eruption”, or refers to a long burning match. Now I’m guessing this recipe has that name because of the red finger chili in it, which I chose not to use simply because my market didn’t have any. But I am assuming the name implies that this dish has some heat, so if you want mild, just leave it out like I did.

7) So many recipes in this book are excellent that I highly recommend it to any Italian food lover or pasta lover. John Coletta is a partner and chef in Quartino Ristorante Pizzeria Wine Bar, which much to my delight is located in Chicago, only an hour and a half from here. I will be visiting some day!

Farfelle alla Vesuviana
adapted from  250 True Italian Pasta Dishes

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
7 large, ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
3 tbsp tiny (nonpareil) capers
1/3 cup chopped pitted Italian green olives (see my notes for substitutions)
1 tsp minced fresh red finger chili (I omitted this)
1 tbsp Kosher salt
1 lb dried Farfelle pasta
2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley leaves
3 tbsp grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

In covered pasta pot, over high heat, bring water to a rapid boil.

Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat oil over high heat (I use medium-high). Add garlic and cook, stirring, until translucent but not browned, 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes, capers, olives and chili and reduce heat to medium. Let simmer until pasta is cooked.

NOTE: I use a fork to crush the chopped tomatoes after they’ve been cooking for a while. This satisfies my texture sensitive family members (rolling eyes).

While sauce is simmering, add salt and pasta to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, over high heat until pasta is al dente. Scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta.

Add 2 tablespoons of the pasta water to the tomato mixture. Raise heat to high. Add pasta and toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if necessary to moisten.

Add parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano and toss well.

If you would like to try my very own recipe made with bowties, it’s called Spicy Chicken and Bowties. And while the photos don’t do it justice, I guarantee its deliciousness. :) 

Farfelle alla Vesuviana: Easy Pasta recipe (bowties)

No ratings yet

IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Print It Rate It Save ItSaved!

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• ▢ 7 large ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped
• ▢ 3 tbsp tiny nonpareil capers
• ▢ ⅓ cup chopped pitted Italian green olives see my notes for substitutions
• ▢ 1 tsp minced fresh red finger chili I omitted this
• ▢ 1 tbsp Kosher salt
• ▢ 1 lb dried Farfelle pasta
• ▢ 2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley leaves
• ▢ 3 tbsp grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

• In covered pasta pot, over high heat, bring water to a rapid boil.
• Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat oil over high heat (I use medium-high). Add garlic and cook, stirring, until translucent but not browned, 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes, capers, olives and chili and reduce heat to medium. Let simmer until pasta is cooked. 
• NOTE: I use a fork to crush the chopped tomatoes after they've been cooking for a while. This satisfies my texture sensitive family members (rolling eyes).
• While sauce is simmering, add salt and pasta to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, over high heat until pasta is al dente. Scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the pasta water to the tomato mixture. Raise heat to high. Add pasta and toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if necessary to moisten. Add parsley and Parmigiano-Reggiano and toss well.

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!