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
• Olive oil 3 tablespoons
• Garlic 4 cloves, minced
• Crushed red pepper ½ teaspoon
• Tomato sauce 1 ½ cups
• Dried Italian herbs 1 teaspoon
• Salt ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground
• Parmesan cheese ½ cup, grated
• 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