Description
This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, using bow tie (farfalle) pasta layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting and family-friendly meal ready in just 50 minutes.
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
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be layered later.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. 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 with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bow tie pasta lasagna!
Notes
- Use Italian sausage for a more flavorful sauce or substitute with lean ground beef for a milder taste.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh finish but is optional.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
