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
Scale
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
