Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines the elegance of bowtie pasta (farfalle) with the hearty satisfaction of classic ziti. Layered with a rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and melty cheeses, it’s a family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bowtie pastaground beef or Italian sausagetomato sauce (or marinara)ricotta cheeseshredded mozzarella cheesegrated Parmesan cheeseoniongarlicolive oildried basiloreganofresh parsley (optional)salt and pepper
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
Add ground beef or sausage, season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half the shredded mozzarella and some chopped parsley, if using.
Add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and stir to combine.
Layer half the pasta mixture in the baking dish, spread the ricotta mixture over it, then add the remaining pasta.
Top with the rest of the mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Replace ricotta with cottage cheese if preferred.
Try a spicy marinara for an extra kick.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.Freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or rigatoni also work well.
Is ricotta necessary?
No, you can use cottage cheese or omit it entirely.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What cheese melts best on top?
Mozzarella is ideal for a melty, golden topping.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
Can I use jarred sauce?
Yes, just choose a good-quality marinara or tomato basil sauce.
Do I have to cover it while baking?
No, bake it uncovered to get that crispy top.
What wine pairs well with this?
A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot works beautifully.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger baking dish or two separate ones.
How can I prevent dry pasta?
Ensure there’s enough sauce and don’t overbake.
Conclusion
Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a cozy, crave-worthy twist on traditional baked ziti that brings together tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and guaranteed to satisfy any pasta lover’s cravings. Whether for a simple family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Print
Bowtie Pasta Ziti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty baked pasta dish made with bowtie pasta (farfalle), ziti-style sauce, cheese, and Italian-seasoned meat and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium)
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (about 1 medium)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper to skillet; sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer 8–10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stir cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer half of pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
- Add remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different protein.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make it ahead: assemble, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For extra flavor, stir in ½ tsp fennel seeds with the sausage.