If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than this Bowtie Pasta Ziti recipe. This delightful dish offers a fun twist on the traditional baked ziti by using bowtie pasta (farfalle) instead of ziti. With layers of marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Assemble the Dish:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!
Serving Tips:
Let it Rest: Allow the baked Bowtie Pasta Ziti to cool for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Garnish: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
Pairings: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
Portion Control: For even serving, use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out portions. This helps maintain the layers and ensures everyone gets a fair share of pasta and cheese.
Storage Tips:
Cool Completely: Allow the Bowtie Pasta Ziti to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is well-sealed to maintain freshness.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the ziti in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, divide into individual portions before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen ziti in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Avoid Overheating: When reheating, avoid overheating as it can dry out the pasta and cheese. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the bowtie pasta (farfalle) with other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and adjust the baking time if necessary.
Can I make Bowtie Pasta Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake as directed. If the dish was refrigerated, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze Bowtie Pasta Ziti?
Yes, Bowtie Pasta Ziti freezes well. After baking and cooling, transfer the ziti to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Bowtie Pasta Ziti. Simply omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and use a vegetarian marinara sauce. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion:
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even a cozy night in. The combination of tender bowtie pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Try this recipe and watch it become a new favorite in your home!
📖 Recipe:
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Bowtie Pasta Ziti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a delightful twist on classic baked ziti, featuring bowtie pasta (farfalle) instead of the traditional ziti. Combining layers of savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this comforting, family-friendly meal is perfect for dinner. With a rich, cheesy topping and a hint of Italian seasoning, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow 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. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a vegetarian marinara sauce. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time if it’s been chilled.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kca
