Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, using farfalle pasta layered with savory ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a comforting, cheesy baked casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom of the dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Add dollops of half the ricotta cheese mixture over the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once more in the same order.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl tie pasta lasagna!
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds better during baking.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma, but it’s optional depending on availability.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and increase the amount of marinara or use sautéed vegetables instead.
