Description
Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a comforting baked pasta casserole featuring al dente bowtie pasta tossed in a savory meat marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly. This hearty Italian-American dish is perfect for family dinners and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture evenly in the dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty pasta bake.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead; assemble it and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes during the simmering stage.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta initially to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
