Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting and delicious layered casserole that combines tender bow tie pasta, savory ground beef or Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It’s a simple twist on classic lasagna, baked to bubbly perfection in under an hour—perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Mix the ricotta cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the meat sauce over the pasta. Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the meat sauce. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting pasta lasagna!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, use Italian sausage for more robust flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Fresh basil adds a nice burst of herbal freshness but is optional.
