Bowtie Pasta Ziti

Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional baked ziti, using bowtie (farfalle) pasta for a unique texture and presentation. Tossed in a rich marinara sauce with seasoned ground beef, layered with creamy ricotta and plenty of gooey mozzarella, this comforting baked pasta is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe keeps all the hearty, cheesy goodness of classic baked ziti but switches it up with bowtie pasta for a fun, family-friendly variation. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can feed a crowd with minimal effort. It’s also highly adaptable—make it meatless, add veggies, or spice it up to fit your flavor preferences. Whether you prep it ahead or serve it fresh out of the oven, it’s a satisfying, cozy meal everyone will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Marinara or pasta sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Egg (for ricotta mixture)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and half the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with most of the meat sauce and mix gently.
7. Layer half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture on top. Add half the mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
8. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Three-cheese: Mix ricotta with cream cheese and cottage cheese for extra richness.
• Pesto twist: Swirl in a few tablespoons of pesto for added flavor.
• Low-carb: Substitute bowtie pasta with a low-carb or whole wheat alternative.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot. Add a splash of marinara or water to keep it moist.

To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

FAQs

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rotini, or rigatoni all work well. Bowtie just adds a fun twist.

Do I need to boil the pasta first?

Yes, cook the pasta until al dente before assembling the casserole.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute and adds a slightly lighter texture.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well before or after baking. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What sauce works best?

Any good-quality marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce will work. Homemade or jarred are both fine.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely—try adding spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce.

How do I make it more saucy?

Add an extra cup of marinara or mix in a bit of tomato sauce with the meat.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese for the top?

Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor. You can also add provolone or fontina.

Can I make it without meat?

Yes, skip the meat or use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a comforting, hearty baked pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With tender bowtie pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, and layers of creamy cheese, it’s a flavorful twist on a beloved classic. Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead, this casserole is sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

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