If you are craving a comforting yet easy-to-make pasta dish, this Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with layers of savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and baked to golden perfection, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for cozy weekends with family or friends. Ready to dive into layers of cheesy, saucy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring a unique flavor and texture to the table. From the tender bowtie pasta to the rich combination of cheeses and fragrant herbs, every component plays a starring role.
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The perfect shape to hold on to sauce and cheese, giving each bite a delightful texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base to cook the sausage and veggies.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: The heart of the dish, offering bold, savory notes and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: A rich tomato foundation packed with herbs and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Provides classic Italian herbaceousness to brighten the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a subtle bitterness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of spice that elevates the dish without overpowering it.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy softness and mild tang to the pasta mix.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully creating those irresistible gooey layers.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty kick on top to finish the bake.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every element just right.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Brings freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.
How to Make Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. Getting your oven ready sets the stage for a perfect bake later on.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente according to the package’s instructions. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns thoroughly and cooks through. This creates a flavorful, crumbly base. Then add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, releasing their wonderful aroma and sweetness.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with sausage and aromatics. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Then remove the sauce from heat to cool briefly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the cooked bowtie pasta, sausage sauce mixture, and the creamy ricotta cheese. The ricotta will add a luscious texture that ties all the ingredients together beautifully, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top for that irresistible golden crust. Place it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the pasta firm up just enough.
How to Serve Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a vibrant burst of color and a fragrant, fresh note that brightens the entire dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the flavor while adding a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread rounds out the meal perfectly, soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins, creating personal pasta casseroles that feel extra special. Alternatively, top the bake with a handful of toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added texture and flavor kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they mingle, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, maintaining that fresh-from-the-oven texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a cover for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is fantastic for holding sauce, other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni will work beautifully in this Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is the Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe?
The spice level is mild by default, but you can adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sausage and marinara sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, making the cooking process on the day of assembly and baking super quick.
What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?
Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for that perfect golden-brown crust, and broil for the last 1–2 minutes if you want an extra crisp finish just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe is truly a comfort food classic that brings warmth and joy to the table every time. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that feels both hearty and elegant, making it a go-to meal for busy days or memorable gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — it’s one pasta bake that never disappoints!
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Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Description
A hearty and comforting Bowtie Pasta Ziti bake featuring tender farfalle pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this Italian-American main course is easy to prepare and great for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 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)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Sausage and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, sausage sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese, mixing until evenly blended.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted and started to brown lightly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage depending on preference.
- For added nutrition, stir in sautéed spinach or zucchini into the pasta mixture before baking.
