If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant Italian-American classic, this Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe is an absolute winner. It beautifully combines perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with savory Italian sausage and a rich, garlicky marinara sauce, all baked under a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The creamy ricotta adds just the right touch of silkiness, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this dish manages to be both elegant and heartwarming, showcasing straightforward ingredients that come together to create magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, readily available ingredients is the first step toward making this dish truly shine. Each element plays an essential role—from the hearty sausage to the fresh garlic, all contributing to layers of flavor, while the cheeses bring luscious texture and golden color to the final bake.
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The fun shape holds sauce perfectly and adds a wonderful bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a fruity base flavor to the sausage and veggies.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: Provides a flavorful, meaty heartiness that’s integral to the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and balances the savoriness.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that ties every ingredient together.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Offers herbal brightness enhancing the Italian flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who enjoy some heat.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Gives creaminess and a luscious texture inside the bake.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and browns nicely in the oven.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, vibrant finish to your dish.
How to Make Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. This step ensures your bake won’t stick and will cook evenly. Next, cook your bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente—remember, you want it firm enough to hold texture since it will bake further in the oven. Drain and set it aside while you work on the savory sausage sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning the meat fully brings out those deep, savory flavors. Once browned, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This layer of aromatics will infuse your sauce with so much character.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, and if you enjoy a little heat, the red pepper flakes. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set this deliciously rich sauce aside for the next step.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Ricotta
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, sausage sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese. Stir carefully to ensure every pasta piece is coated with the sauce, and the ricotta is evenly distributed, adding that delightful creaminess throughout your bake.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread this hearty mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, then top generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. After removing it from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes so the flavors settle and the bake firms up slightly for easier serving.
How to Serve Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled just before serving brighten the dish both visually and flavor-wise. They cut through the richness and add a lovely pop of green that makes the Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe look as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
To complement this baked pasta, try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread is always a winner here, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and cheese from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the bake directly in the baking dish for a rustic feel or portion it out in individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese. You could even add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few chili flakes at the table for guests who like a personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavors. It’s perfect for next-day lunches or easy dinners when you need a comforting meal in minutes.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, it freezes well. Assemble the pasta bake but don’t add cheese on top before freezing; add cheese after thawing to keep it fresh and melty. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, so you always have a delicious homemade meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbling. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs for that just-baked flair.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta adds a unique texture, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even traditional ziti to suit your preference or pantry supplies.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian twist that still feels satisfying.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that can be adjusted or omitted altogether for a milder dish. Feel free to tailor the spiciness to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a fantastic option for planning meals in advance.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese drained well or cream cheese thinned with a bit of milk can substitute for ricotta, providing similar creaminess without altering the overall flavor drastically.
Final Thoughts
This Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort dishes to share with friends and family. Its harmonious blend of cheesy, saucy, and meaty elements is just pure happiness on a plate. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug, don’t hesitate to dive right in and make this recipe your own. Trust me, once you try it, this will be on repeat in your kitchen!
Print
Bowtie Pasta Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian option available
Description
A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a blend of cheeses baked with a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner with an easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
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)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors, then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, carefully mix the cooked pasta, sausage sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese until evenly combined.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage to adjust protein options.
- For added nutrition and flavor, stir in sautéed spinach or zucchini before baking.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
