Description
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti recipe is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender bowtie pasta is layered with a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
Cheese Layers:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the dish: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the meat with ground turkey or use a vegetarian meat alternative.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or stir in some spinach for extra veggies.
