If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic comfort food, Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is bound to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine all the familiar flavors of traditional lasagna but with the playful texture of farfalle pasta and a quick, fuss-free assembly. This dish brings together a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty cheese, and bright herbs, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (but didn’t!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is how it relies on simple staple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the pasta’s fun shape to the rich cheeses and flavorful sauce, every component adds something special to the final dish.
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle): These cheerful little pasta shapes hold sauce beautifully and give a fun twist to classic lasagna layers.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for a hearty, savory base; sausage adds extra flavor, while beef keeps things classic.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce: A good-quality sauce forms the backbone of the dish; use your favorite store-bought or homemade variety.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses every bite with that signature Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle but essential layer of garlicky goodness throughout the casserole.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and a touch of warmth to the sauce.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta brings that luscious lasagna texture everyone craves.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection on top of the pasta bake.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps the top get beautifully golden.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh green herbs brightens up the whole dish right before serving.
How to Make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna
Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still with a little bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. This step is key, as the pasta will finish cooking in the oven and soak up all those fabulous flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease. Stir in your jar of marinara or pasta sauce, followed by Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together and become wonderfully aromatic.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese. Gently toss everything until the pasta is evenly coated and you see little pockets of ricotta throughout. This is where the magic happens—the sauce clings to every shape of pasta, and the ricotta adds that signature lasagna richness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, then finish with a layer of grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt and bubble in the oven, creating that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let the Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving makes the Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna pop with color and a fresh aroma. If you love a little extra zest, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of good olive oil on top.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is already hearty, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. You can also never go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread to help scoop up all the saucy, cheesy goodness left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style comfort, serve straight from the casserole dish at the table. If you want to get fancy, spoon individual servings into shallow bowls and top with extra herbs and a few shavings of Parmesan. Or, for a party, portion the Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna into ramekins for adorable personal servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for some truly delicious next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna freezes like a dream. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick. Add a fresh sprinkle of herbs after reheating to bring back that just-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and instead sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or any favorite veggies for the sauce. The result is just as satisfying and packed with flavor.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute if you prefer its texture or already have some on hand. It will make your Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna slightly lighter but still creamy and delicious.
What pasta shapes work best if I don’t have bow ties?
While bow ties are the star here, you can use penne, rotini, or even broken lasagna noodles in a pinch. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce well for the best experience.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Assemble everything (but don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The playful shape of bow tie pasta and the cheesy, saucy flavors make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a wonderful family dinner option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, you simply have to try Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, sharing smiles and second helpings. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite in your home too!
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Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna recipe combines tender bow tie pasta with a hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a quick and satisfying baked pasta meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce and Ricotta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Assemble Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then evenly distribute the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the pasta lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- If you prefer, substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
