Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a fun and hearty twist on the traditional baked ziti, swapping out the classic tubular pasta for bowtie (farfalle) to add texture and visual appeal. It’s loaded with rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and your choice of ground meat or veggies—making it a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly dinner that’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

bowtie (farfalle) pasta
olive oil
ground beef, sausage, or turkey (optional)
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
tomato paste (optional, for richness)
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add ground meat (if using) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine pasta with half the sauce and mix well.

Layer pasta in the baking dish. Dollop with ricotta, then pour remaining sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use a meatless sauce and add mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Mix in spinach or kale for extra greens.
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Freeze baked ziti for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or shells work well too.

Do I have to use ricotta?
No, you can skip it or substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze before or after baking—just wrap it well.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure sauce ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Absolutely, it saves time and adds great flavor.

What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for flavor—use both for best results.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, spinach, or eggplant are great additions.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Cover loosely with foil during baking if it seems dry.

Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish.

Conclusion

Bowtie Pasta Ziti is a playful, delicious twist on a classic baked pasta dish. With its gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and satisfying texture, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Whether you make it with meat or keep it vegetarian, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.