If you’re craving the comforting layers of lasagna but want to skip the fuss of rolling noodles and multiple layers, this Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Combining al dente bow tie pasta with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, it’s the perfect shortcut to Italian-American comfort without sacrificing any of the classic flavors. The wonderful thing is how the pasta shapes nestle all that cheesy goodness so beautifully, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and taste. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, this recipe is insanely satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients — nothing complicated, just familiar flavors that come together to create magic. Each component plays a crucial role: the pasta provides a fun texture, the meat sauce adds hearty richness, and the cheeses bring creaminess and that irresistible golden topping.
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle): Perfect for holding onto sauce and offering a fun shape that feels special yet easy to find.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and soften the onions while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: For that savory, meaty foundation that makes this dish so comforting.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce once cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that aromatic punch that elevates every Italian dish.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce: Easy and flavorful, this forms the heart of your sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports you to Mediterranean bliss.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy layer that brings softness and richness to every bite.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, dreamy topping that’s pure delight.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish that’s perfect for sprinkling on top.
- Chopped basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a dash of color when you’re ready to serve.
How to Make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bow tie pasta
Start by cooking your bow tie pasta until it’s perfectly al dente — just tender yet with a satisfying bite. This ensures the pasta will hold its shape and not get mushy after baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a quick toss to keep it from sticking together. This simple step sets the stage for a dish that’s hearty but never heavy.
Step 2: Prepare the savory meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and add your ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions become soft and fragrant — about 6 to 8 minutes. After draining any excess fat, add minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release its flavor without burning. Now it’s time to pour in your marinara sauce, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld all those flavors together beautifully. This sauce is the backbone of your lasagna-style pasta, rich and comforting.
Step 3: Combine pasta, sauce, and ricotta
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Be careful not to overmix — you want every bow tie coated evenly without squishing the pasta. This step is where your Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe gets that creamy texture that makes it so irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble and bake the lasagna
Transfer your pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top to create that luscious, melty cheese crust. Bake uncovered in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that bubbly, golden cheese that signals the dish is ready. Let it cool for about five minutes before digging in — this helps everything set perfectly and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving brightens up the dish and lends a pop of color. These herbs contrast wonderfully with the rich, cheesy layers and give each bite a fresh, aromatic lift that takes the plate from flavorful to fabulous.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette, garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, or even some roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious complement. These sides balance the meal and offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese and broiled quickly for a bubbly top. Alternatively, layering the dish in glass bakeware shows off those cheesy layers, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. You can also customize garnishes with slivers of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep that cheesy, saucy goodness fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it excellent for meal prepping. Store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavors intact. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you want a comforting meal ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture in, heating for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, but be aware this may slightly soften the pasta more. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps maintain that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or your favorite veggies to keep it hearty and delicious without meat. The ricotta and cheese layers bring plenty of richness to make it satisfyingly indulgent.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While bow tie pasta (farfalle) is ideal due to its ability to hold sauce and its playful shape, you can experiment with other short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni if needed. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before baking.
Can I prepare this dish entirely ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy days or entertaining when you want to save time in the kitchen.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The familiar flavors of cheesy baked pasta make it a hit with kids, and you can easily adjust the seasoning and add mild vegetables to suit little palates. It’s a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, or opt for part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. You can also bulk it up with more veggies like spinach or zucchini to add volume and nutrition without extra calories.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors without the laborious steps, making weeknight dinners feel special and approachable. It’s cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor — a definite keeper for your recipe rotation. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your family’s favorites just like it has for mine. Give it a go and savor every satisfying bite!
Print
Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting and delicious baked pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked farfalle pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a quick and simple alternative to traditional lasagna, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, boasting all the flavors of classic Italian-American lasagna with effortless preparation.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking and stirring until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add Aromatics and Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bow tie pasta, the meat sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and cheese.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the combined pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Make this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, more flavorful option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
