Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe

Bowtie Pasta Ziti is the ultimate comfort food hybrid, marrying the elegance of farfalle with the hearty flavors of classic baked ziti. Imagine a bubbling casserole packed with savory sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a creamy tomato sauce, all woven between al dente bowtie pasta. This crowd-pleasing favorite is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks and always brings everyone back to the table for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests with a casserole full of soul, Bowtie Pasta Ziti is truly a keeper!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of staple ingredients can combine to make Bowtie Pasta Ziti so unforgettable. Each component brings something special to the dish, and together, they deliver that irresistible blend of texture, richness, and Italian flair.

• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These playful, crimped noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy, cheesy sauce—plus, they just look fun!
• Olive oil: A drizzle sautés the aromatics and ground meat, building the first layer of flavor you’ll notice in every bite.
• Yellow onion: Diced and sautéed, onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth; don’t skip it!
• Ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Choose your favorite or use both for an even richer flavor base.
• Marinara sauce: A good-quality store-bought or homemade marinara brings tomatoey richness and classic Italian character.
• Heavy cream: This is the secret to a silky, luscious sauce that sets Bowtie Pasta Ziti apart from ordinary casseroles.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens up the sauce and ties all those flavors together.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential—season to taste as you go.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that irresistible stretch with every forkful.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty-savory depth and helps the casserole develop a golden, bubbling top.
• Fresh basil (optional): A sprinkle of vibrant green basil at the end brings freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Bowtie Pasta Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, pour in the bowtie pasta and cook until it’s just al dente—the pasta should still have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to give the noodles a toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and let it sweat until soft and translucent, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant—it’s amazing how much depth this simple step brings to Bowtie Pasta Ziti.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage or Beef

Crumble your ground Italian sausage or beef into the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it brown and cook through thoroughly, soaking up all those onion and garlic flavors. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a lighter, cleaner bite.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

With the meat now perfectly browned, pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes; it will thicken and develop that signature creamy-tomato hue, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta right into the skillet with the sauce and meat. Toss well until every noodle is luxuriously coated. Now stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan cheese, letting them melt just a bit for maximum creaminess—this is the magic that makes Bowtie Pasta Ziti so dreamy!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, making sure every inch is covered for that classic golden crust. Slide the dish into your oven, preheated to 375°F, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the casserole from the oven. Top with fresh basil if you like—just a few torn leaves can make the whole pan look (and taste) extra vibrant. Serve Bowtie Pasta Ziti warm and enjoy the happy chaos of bubbling cheese and satisfied faces!

How to Serve Bowtie Pasta Ziti

Garnishes

Garnish your Bowtie Pasta Ziti with a shower of freshly torn basil for a burst of color and that irresistible herbal aroma. A little extra Parmesan on top right before serving also never hurts—this small touch adds savory depth and makes the dish feel truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair Bowtie Pasta Ziti with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for balance, or some garlicky roasted broccoli for a pop of color and crunch. Don’t forget crusty garlic bread or focaccia—perfect for mopping up the irresistible sauce from your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

You can portion Bowtie Pasta Ziti into individual ramekins for elegant dinner parties or layer it into mini bread bowls for a stunning appetizer. For a family-style showstopper, sprinkle extra cheese on top and finish under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish that steals the spotlight at any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftovers of Bowtie Pasta Ziti should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making this recipe fantastic for both meal prep and next-day lunches!

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer’s best friend! Assemble Bowtie Pasta Ziti as directed, but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen (add some baking time and cover with foil for the first 20 minutes).

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually 20 to 25 minutes. For single servings, microwave gently (covered) in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and avoid dried-out edges.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for Bowtie Pasta Ziti?

While bowtie pasta is the star here, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or ziti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente before baking so it stays pleasantly firm.

What protein works best in this recipe?

Ground Italian sausage gives Bowtie Pasta Ziti a rich, savory flavor, but ground beef works beautifully too. For a lighter version, you could even try ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! Stir in a handful of chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for a boost of color and nutrition. This dish is super adaptable to your family’s tastes.

How do I make Bowtie Pasta Ziti ahead of time?

Simply assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual—perfect for busy days!

Is Bowtie Pasta Ziti freezer-friendly?

Yes! Prepare and assemble everything, but hold off on baking. Wrap well, freeze, and you’ll have a homemade meal ready to pop into the oven anytime you need a comforting dinner straight from the freezer.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about sharing a bubbling, cheesy pan of Bowtie Pasta Ziti with people you care about. Every bite is pure comfort and brings everyone a little bit closer. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your favorite casserole dish and treat yourself to this delicious classic tonight!

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