Bow Tie Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comfort of a hearty 'Bow Tie Pasta Bake,' a deliciously cheesy casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This easy recipe combines tender al dente bow tie pasta with a rich marinara sauce infused with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and aromatic garlic. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this baked pasta dish delivers a warm, satisfying bite in every forkful. Featuring a simmered medley of Italian flavors and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this recipe is as flavorful as it is simple to prepare. With its golden, bubbly cheese topping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, the Bow Tie Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that pairs effortlessly with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. Whether you're feeding a crowd or indulging in leftovers, this oven-baked classic is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble the beef until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bow tie pasta with the sauce mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
619 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.7 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 898 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.9 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 33.1 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 383 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 303 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
