Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic lasagna, using bow tie (farfalle) pasta instead of traditional lasagna sheets. This dish features layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, making it a comforting and easy-to-make dinner option for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easier Than Traditional Lasagna – No need to layer delicate pasta sheets; just mix and bake.
- Family-Friendly – A fun and approachable dish for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with different proteins, cheeses, or vegetables.
- Great for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Marinara sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Add half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of meat.
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Alfredo Twist – Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce for a creamy version.
- Three-Cheese Delight – Add provolone or fontina cheese for extra cheesiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a covered dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well as substitutes.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Can I make this without ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce as a substitute.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The bow tie pasta makes it fun and appealing for children.
What can I serve with Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this a one-pot meal?
Yes, you can cook everything in a large oven-safe skillet and bake it directly.
How do I make this dish more flavorful?
Use fresh basil, extra garlic, or a splash of red wine in the sauce.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes, but adding fresh ingredients like garlic and herbs enhances the flavor.
What’s the best cheese for a gooey topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can mix it with provolone or cheddar for variety.
Conclusion
Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting and easy alternative to classic lasagna, offering all the delicious flavors with less effort. Whether you make it for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try this recipe today and enjoy a new take on a beloved favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A fun and easy twist on traditional lasagna, using bow tie pasta and a rich, cheesy meat sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat layers and top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and Serve:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
-
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
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