Description
This delicious Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a comforting baked pasta dish combining tender farfalle with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and season with dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked bowtie pasta, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked pasta to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Feel free to use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought for a fresher taste.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid a mushy texture after baking.