Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting, layered baked dish featuring al dente bow tie pasta, hearty ground beef or Italian sausage, a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that combines the best of lasagna flavors without the fuss of traditional noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the cooked bow tie pasta evenly across the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then add dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly atop the sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly with a slightly golden top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or even ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling since it will bake longer in the oven.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and visual appeal.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.