If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a big, warm hug, this Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe is going to become your new go-to dinner. It combines tender bowtie pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce and melts of creamy ricotta and stretchy mozzarella cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Every forkful delivers layers of flavor and textures that satisfy from the very first bite to the last crumb. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings everyone together through its irresistible taste and homestyle charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great dishes start with simple, quality ingredients that each play an important role in building flavor, texture, and color. This Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe uses everyday pantry staples to create something truly unforgettable.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): Its unique shape holds onto sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty richness and depth to the meat sauce.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: A robust tomato base that brings brightness and tang.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that perfect meltiness and stretchy cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, smooth contrast to the saucy pasta.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthy Mediterranean flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet herbal note that complements tomatoes perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of green color.
How to Make Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the bowtie pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm but tender. This ensures the pasta won’t turn mushy after baking and keeps the dish lively with texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for mixing with the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. This step builds a rich foundation of flavor as the meat caramelizes slightly. Drain excess fat to keep the dish balanced. Then, stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about five minutes, allowing all the herbs and spices to meld together into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked pasta with the meat sauce, tossing until every bowtie is coated in that savory goodness. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of this pasta mixture evenly. Now comes the fun part—dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta on top, then sprinkle generously with one cup of shredded mozzarella. Layer the remaining pasta on top, finishing with the last cup of mozzarella and a hearty sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This layering creates delicious pockets of gooey cheese and savory pasta throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. This allows everything to heat through and the cheeses to start melting smoothly. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This final bake melts and browns the cheese on top, giving you that irresistible bubbly, golden crust that makes this Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe so comforting.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top for a burst of color and aroma. Serve this dish warm and watch as everyone digs in happily, savoring every cheesy, saucy bite.
How to Serve Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish for this pasta bake, imparting a refreshing herbal lift that perfectly balances the richness of the cheeses and meat. A sprinkling of extra grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes can also add a touch of excitement to your plate.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, serve this Bowtie Pasta Ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side can soak up every last bit of sauce, completing the comforting Italian-inspired dinner experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting dinner party presentation, bake this dish in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personalized servings. You can also add layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to surprise guests with extra flavors and nutrients inside the pasta layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze any remaining portions for up to two months. Be sure to cool the casserole completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, reheating in 1-2 minute bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of bowtie?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushy results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based crumbles. The marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella provide plenty of flavor and creaminess.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or sprinkle some crushed chili flakes on top before baking. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for a fiery kick.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger groups?
Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Keep baking times similar but check the dish’s temperature to ensure even heating.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese thoroughly?
Covering the dish with foil during the first 20 minutes traps steam and gently melts the cheese. Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes allows the top cheese to brown and bubble deliciously.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy serving of this Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a dish filled with hearty flavors, comforting textures, and that homemade feeling everyone loves. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becoming a cherished favorite in your home too.
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Bowtie Pasta Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Bowtie Pasta Ziti combines tender bowtie pasta with a rich and savory meat sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection with golden bubbly cheese on top, it’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
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
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it 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 into crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta and meat sauce mixture on top, followed by the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly sprinkled over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and/or vegetables.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make ahead: assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
