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)

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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.