Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake that combines the fun shape of bowtie (farfalle) pasta with the heartiness of a classic ziti casserole. Loaded with rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and savory meat or vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bowtie pasta (farfalle)ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)ricotta cheesemozzarella cheese (shredded)Parmesan cheese (grated)garlic (minced)onion (chopped)olive oilcrushed tomatoes or marinara sauceItalian seasoningsaltpepperfresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add ground beef or sausage (if using), and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then top with meat sauce, spoonfuls of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6–8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 1 hour
Variations
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Make it a white ziti by using Alfredo sauce instead of tomato-based sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftover Bowtie Pasta Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until heated through.To freeze, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, covered.
FAQs
Can I make Bowtie Pasta Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
No, you can substitute with cottage cheese or skip it entirely if you prefer.
Can I use penne or ziti instead of bowtie pasta?
Absolutely, traditional ziti or penne work just as well.
Is it okay to leave out the meat?
Yes, it’s delicious as a vegetarian dish too—just load up on veggies or extra cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid overbaking.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, your favorite jarred marinara or pasta sauce works great for convenience.
Can I add eggs to the ricotta?
Yes, adding one egg can help bind the ricotta layer and make it creamier.
What cheese melts best on top?
Mozzarella is ideal for that classic gooey topping. Add Parmesan for extra flavor.
Do I need to cover the pasta while baking?
Yes, cover with foil to retain moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes to brown the cheese.
Conclusion
Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a flavorful, family-friendly dish that brings together the comfort of baked pasta with the ease of simple ingredients. Its versatility makes it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own twist, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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