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
Scale
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.
