If you’ve ever craved the comforting flavors of lasagna but wished you could have it on the table in under an hour, you’re going to love this Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna. All the classic layers—hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey melted cheese—come together with adorable farfalle pasta in a way that’s fun, satisfying, and so much less work than traditional lasagna. Cozy, bubbly, and bursting with Italian-American flavor, this dish is an absolute favorite for busy nights and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna lies in how each everyday ingredient shines. Every component, from the pasta to the cheese, has a delicious job that brings out the best in this classic comfort food turned easy weeknight wonder.
- Bow Tie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz): These delightful little pasta shapes soak up sauce and hold melty cheese in every bite.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds savory depth and a hearty base; choose your favorite or mix both for a richer flavor.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Softens and sweetens as it cooks, layering aromatic flavor into the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A burst of classic Italian flavor that makes everything taste a little more like Nonna’s kitchen.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): The foundation of your lasagna; pick a good-quality jar for the tastiest results.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs that gives this dish its unmistakable Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential, balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and smooth, this binds everything together and adds a delicate richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Perfectly melty, this classic cheese gives the top that irresistible golden finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds savory sharpness and extra depth to every mouthful.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle at the end brightens the whole dish with color and freshness.
How to Make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your lasagna comes out effortlessly golden once baked. Setting up before you start makes assembly a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your farfalle pasta until it’s just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside—the pasta will soak up more flavor as it bakes, so don’t overcook it now.
Step 3: Build the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium and brown your ground beef or Italian sausage with diced onion. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spoon. Once it’s no longer pink, stir in the garlic for a minute until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed before adding in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer everything for about five minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Mix Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked bow tie pasta with the savory meat sauce and that generous cup of creamy ricotta. Stir everything gently until the pasta is nicely coated and flecked with velvety cheese—this is where the Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna magic really happens.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Pour half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top—don’t be shy! Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses to create those lasagna-style layers that everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, locking in all that cheesy, saucy goodness. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is irresistibly bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool just slightly before serving, so each scoop holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh basil or parsley right out of the oven makes this Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna look as inviting as it tastes. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and an extra hint of garden-bright flavor that really makes each serving sing.
Side Dishes
This lasagna-style bake welcomes all sorts of delicious companions. Try it with garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce, or pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta. Roasted vegetables are always a win alongside, too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve individual portions in little ramekins for a dinner party or cut the lasagna bake into squares to stack on a rustic platter. For family nights, simply scoop it straight from the dish at the table—nothing brings a crowd together quite like a bubbling pan of Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, and some say it’s even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together.
Freezing
This dish is a meal-prep superstar! Assemble the lasagna all the way up to baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen (just add extra baking time) or thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat single portions in the microwave for a speedy lunch, or warm larger servings in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for a little fresh melty goodness each time.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and add sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You’ll still get all the cheesy, saucy goodness, with an extra boost of color and nutrition.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No ricotta? No problem. You can use cottage cheese for a lighter option or even a blend of cream cheese and a splash of milk for creaminess. The result will still be luscious and delicious.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Of course! While the bow ties add a fun twist, other short pastas like penne or rotini work just as well. Just be sure to cook any pasta you choose until al dente for the best texture.
How do I make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna ahead of time?
You can fully assemble the dish up to a day in advance and keep it covered in your fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as directed and enjoy a hot, hearty meal with zero fuss.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! The recipe adapts easily—just use two 9×13-inch pans and double all ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family reunions, or anytime you want to make sure there’s plenty to go around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and wonderfully fuss-free, this Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is sure to hit the spot. Gather your favorite people, grab a fork, and dig in—you’re just about to discover a new weeknight classic everyone will ask for again and again!
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Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a simple yet flavorful twist on classic lasagna, using bow tie pasta instead of traditional noodles. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz bow tie (farfalle) pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare meat sauce: Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish, top with half of the cheeses. Repeat layering.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms.
- This dish freezes well—assemble ahead and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
