Carinos Bowtie Festival Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of bowtie pasta (farfalle) — preferably al dente for perfect texture
• 1 tablespoon salt — for boiling water to enhance pasta flavor
• 3 tablespoons olive oil — Use extra virgin for richness
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh, adds pungent aroma
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper — Adjust to taste for heat
• 1 ½ cups tomato sauce — Rich and smooth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs — Blend of basil, oregano, thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt — Balance the sauce flavor
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — Adds sharpness
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Stirred in for creamy texture
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms — Preferably cremini or button, sautéed until golden
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red and yellow) — Adds sweetness and crunch
• 1 cup baby spinach — Fresh, added at the end to wilt gently
• 8 ounces grilled chicken breast, sliced thin — Well-seasoned for extra flavor
• Optional: ½ cup cooked Italian sausage pieces — For savory depth
• Fresh basil leaves — Chiffonade for a bright herbal note
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese — For serving
• Crushed red pepper flakes — Optional, for those who love extra heat
• Lemon zest — Optional, adds a fresh citrus lift