What pasta shape is shaped like a bow tie?

The pasta shape shaped like a bow tie is farfalle.

Farfalle are pieces of pasta pinched in the middle, with wider edges that resemble a butterfly or bow tie. The name comes from the Italian word farfalle, meaning “butterflies.” In the United States, bow tie is a common English nickname for the shape, while some parts of Italy use the regional name strichetti.

The shape is generally made by cutting pasta dough into rectangles or ovals, trimming the edges into ruffles, and pinching the center. This creates a pasta with two distinct textures: thinner outer sections and a denser central fold. Farfalle are commonly paired with creamy sauces, tomato sauces, pesto, vegetables, and pasta salads.

Farfalle are associated with northern Italian regions including Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna and date back at least to the 16th century. Larger versions are called farfalloni, while smaller versions are known as farfalline. Farfalle rigate is a ridged variation designed to hold sauce more effectively.