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
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
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
