Farfalle, dating back to the 1500s, originated in the Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna part of Northern Italy. Farfalle, which means œbutterfly in Italian, are rectangular or oval pieces of pasta that are pinched in the middle. Farfalle is great with intense fragrances and flavors. Try it with light sauces with vegetables or fish, dairy-based sauces, simple oil-based sauces, or in pasta salads.