Name: Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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); 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Dreaming of cozy Italian comfort? Let me introduce you to Bowtie Pasta Ziti, a bubbly, cheesy baked casserole that’s truly the best of two pasta favorites rolled into one irresistible dish. Imagine al dente farfalle pasta mingling with savory Italian sausage, luscious marinara, creamy ricotta, and caramelized onions and garlic, all topped with a gooey, golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a satisfying, family-style dinner that always gets rave reviews and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Whether you need an easy weeknight meal or something special for company, Bowtie Pasta Ziti never lets you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bowtie Pasta Ziti is how simple these ingredients are, yet together they create something absolutely unforgettable. Every piece pulls its weight, lending flavor, richness, or just the right bite to the final dish.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle): These charming pasta shapes hold sauce beautifully and add a playful feel to every bite.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon adds classic Mediterranean richness and helps toast the sausage and aromatics.
Italian sausage (mild or spicy): A pound brings hearty, savory flavor—choose your preferred spice level for a dish that suits your crowd.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with deep, mouthwatering aroma.
Yellow onion: Diced onion turns sweet and tender, building classic Italian base flavor.
Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite sauce ties everything together—pick one with a flavor you love.
Dried basil and oregano: Just a sprinkle of these dried herbs gives unmistakable Italian flair.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick, add the tiniest bit of heat.
Ricotta cheese: Half a cup gives the filling extra creaminess and that classic ziti goodness.
Mozzarella cheese: The real melt factor—gooey and stretchy, it makes every scoop irresistible.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish nobody can resist.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every delicious layer properly.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley: A handful on top adds color and brightness, making your casserole look as wonderful as it tastes.

How to Make Bowtie Pasta Ziti

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This little bit of prep ensures your Bowtie Pasta Ziti doesn’t stick and is ready to bake, making everything feel easy and organized before you even boil the water.

Step 2: Boil the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your bowtie pasta. Cook just until al dente (a minute shy of the package instructions is perfect), since the noodles will finish softening in the oven. Once cooked, drain and set aside—you want them ready to catch all the cheesy saucy goodness to come.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a big skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add your Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-size pieces as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s deeply browned and any little bits stuck to the pan smell wonderful. Browning is key for flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage in the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is soft, golden, and fragrant—the kitchen will start to smell like an Italian trattoria right about now!

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Stir everything together and let this mixture simmer for around 5 minutes. As the flavors meld, the sauce grows richer and more vibrant—resist the urge to skip this part!

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta

In a spacious mixing bowl, add your drained bowtie pasta, the sausage and sauce mixture, and the ricotta cheese. Gently stir to combine so every noodle gets a creamy, flavorful coating. This step is where Bowtie Pasta Ziti truly comes together!

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, making sure every nook is covered. Bake in that hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden. When you pull it out, let it rest for 5 minutes so it sets up and is easy to slice.

How to Serve Bowtie Pasta Ziti

Garnishes

Just before bringing your Bowtie Pasta Ziti to the table, add a flurry of chopped fresh basil or parsley. This not only gives it a bloom of bright color but adds a fresh, herby welcome note to every serving—the perfect finishing touch for both flavor and looks.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad (think arugula, spinach, or a classic Caesar) and a basket of warm garlic bread or soft rolls. The freshness and crunch of salad, paired with the comforting starch of bread, make this dish feel like a feast fit for any occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Bowtie Pasta Ziti in individual ramekins for special occasions, or dish it up family-style in your prettiest baking dish for weeknight dinners. For parties, it also looks adorable in mini muffin tins (hello, pasta bites!). Whatever you choose, a sprinkle of extra cheese on top right before serving never hurts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bowtie Pasta Ziti is pure gold. Simply let it cool, then cover and refrigerate in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making lunch or dinner a breeze.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble through Step 6 but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cheese on top, then bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions of Bowtie Pasta Ziti in a 350°F oven until completely warmed through and the cheese is melty (about 15–20 minutes). Microwaving works, too, especially for small servings—just cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Bowtie Pasta Ziti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms. This keeps the heartiness and flavor but leaves out the meat entirely.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! While bowtie pasta gives Bowtie Pasta Ziti its signature look and texture, penne, rigatoni, or ziti noodles are all great options. The key is to pick a sturdy shape that holds sauce well.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese works as an easy substitute for ricotta if you’re in a pinch. You can also mix in a little cream cheese for extra richness, or just skip it if needed—your dish will still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Of course! Sautéed spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or even chopped broccoli are fantastic additions. Fold them in before baking for extra color, nutrients, and flavor.

How do I know when Bowtie Pasta Ziti is finished baking?

The top should be golden and bubbly around the edges, with cheese fully melted. If you see sizzling at the corners and the aroma has you running to the oven, it’s ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for your next family favorite, Bowtie Pasta Ziti is the dish to try. With its irresistible combination of flavors, simple ingredients, and impressive presentation, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to all year long. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and enjoy every delicious forkful!

Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Bowtie Pasta Ziti recipe combines tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheeses for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Sauce:

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 Mixture:

1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning:

Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Brown sausage in a skillet, add garlic, onion, marinara, herbs, and simmer.
Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta, sauce, and ricotta in a bowl.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake until bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest, then garnish with herbs before serving.