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
Scale
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.
