Description: This Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a comforting and crowd-pleasing baked pasta dish that combines the best of both worlds: the fun shape of bowtie pasta (farfalle) with the classic flavors of ziti. It’s a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a flavorful and easy-to-make dish.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. It’s perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
- Comfort food at its finest: The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and layers of cheese creates a warm and comforting dish that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by using different types of meat, vegetables, or cheeses.
- Great for meal prep: This ziti can be made ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to eat, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves a good baked pasta dish, and this Bowtie Pasta Ziti is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Introduction
Baked pasta dishes are a staple in many households, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Ziti is a classic choice, but sometimes, it’s fun to switch things up and add a little flair to your plate. This Bowtie Pasta Ziti recipe does just that, using farfalle (bowtie) pasta to create a visually appealing and texturally interesting twist on the traditional baked ziti. The bowties hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
This recipe starts with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, tossed in a rich and flavorful meat sauce simmered with aromatic herbs and spices. Then, the pasta is layered with creamy ricotta cheese, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, this Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a meal to impress your guests, this Bowtie Pasta Ziti is sure to deliver. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and absolutely delicious. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a warm and comforting dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): The star of the dish, bowtie pasta offers a unique shape and texture that holds the sauce well. Make sure to cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite meat for the sauce. Ground beef provides a classic, savory flavor, while Italian sausage adds a touch of spice and complexity. You can also use a combination of both.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: A good quality marinara sauce is essential for this recipe. Choose your favorite brand or make your own from scratch for a truly homemade flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey mozzarella cheese is what makes this baked pasta dish so irresistible. Use a good quality, low-moisture mozzarella for the best results.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy element to the dish. Use whole milk ricotta for the richest flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle garlicky flavor to the sauce. You can also use fresh minced garlic for a more intense flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano is a classic Italian herb that adds a warm, savory flavor to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Basil is another essential Italian herb that adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the finished dish.
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready for baking when the pasta is assembled. Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. The pasta should be slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Salt the water generously to season the pasta from the inside out. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Drain any excess fat to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. This step is crucial for a flavorful and healthy sauce. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Simmering the sauce allows the herbs and spices to infuse their flavor into the marinara sauce and meat, creating a more complex and aromatic sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Ensure that every bowtie is coated with the delicious sauce, creating a uniform and flavorful dish. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. This creates a base layer for the ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta, evenly distributing the creamy cheese throughout the layer. Then, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, creating a layer of melty goodness. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it evenly over the ricotta and mozzarella cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
Step 4: Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Covering the dish with foil prevents the cheese from burning and allows the pasta to heat through evenly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Baking the dish uncovered for the last 10 minutes allows the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a visually appealing and delicious topping.
Step 5: Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the finished dish. Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly. Enjoy warm!
COOKING Rating:
- Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Offer a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
- Serve as a main course or as a side dish at a potluck or gathering.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Drain the meat well to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- Make ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 30 minutes
Total Time:
- 50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 600-800 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and layers of cheese creates a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a taste of home.
So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the process of creating this comforting dish, and savor every bite of this Bowtie Pasta Ziti!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bowtie pasta (farfalle), you can easily substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even ziti. The key is to choose a pasta shape that holds the sauce well and has a similar cooking time. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also use a vegetarian meat substitute like plant-based crumbles or sausage. For added flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables with garlic and onions before adding them to the marinara sauce.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if necessary to ensure the dish is heated through.
Q4: Can I freeze this Bowtie Pasta Ziti?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure the dish is heated through.
Q5: What can I add to make the sauce spicier?
A5: If you like a little heat, there are several ways to add spice to the sauce. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Another option is to use Italian sausage that already contains red pepper flakes. Be careful not to add too much spice, as you can always add more, but it’s difficult to remove it once it’s there.
