Description
A delicious and hearty Bowtie Pasta Ziti baked dish featuring tender farfalle pasta combined with flavorful Italian sausage, a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: To the skillet with sausage, add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bowtie pasta, sausage sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Gently stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving for added color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage for a different flavor or leaner option.
- For extra veggies, stir in sautéed spinach or zucchini before baking to add nutrition and color.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in boiling water, so it holds up well during baking.
- If you prefer spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
