Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish that combines tender bow tie pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering the classic flavors of lasagna with a fun twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make this dish ideal for busy nights.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group or meal prepping for the week.
• Comforting and Delicious: Combines the best of lasagna and pasta bake for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound bow tie pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ pound ground beef
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Prepare the Pasta and Beef

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Boil water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Make the Sauce

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese (cut into chunks), milk, and pasta sauce. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the cream cheese has melted.

Assemble the Dish

5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.

Bake

8. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Extra Cheese: Add a layer of ricotta or Parmesan for an even cheesier dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions or as a whole dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti will work as a substitute.

2. What’s the best pasta sauce to use?

Marinara, tomato basil, or even meat sauce are excellent choices. Use your favorite or make it homemade.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the ground beef and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.

5. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a freshly baked texture or microwave individual portions for convenience.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Definitely! Add layers of ricotta or sprinkle Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Ensure the pasta is well-coated with sauce before baking, and cover with foil if needed.

8. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives a richer flavor and creamier texture.

9. Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.

10. How do I freeze this dish?

Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Conclusion

Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with the ease and simplicity of a pasta bake. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a cozy meal everyone will love!

Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This creamy and cheesy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, tangy cream cheese, and melty mozzarella, this easy baked pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals.

 

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
• Cook Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
• Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese (cut into chunks), milk, and pasta sauce. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and toss until evenly coated.
• Assemble the Dish: Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

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Notes

• Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or provolone for a twist on flavor.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.