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!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bow tie pasta with the sauce mixture. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.

Step 10

Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1901.5 grams (1901.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3598

Total Fat 184.80g	237%
Saturated Fat 74.90g	375%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 517mg	172%
Sodium 5626mg	245%
Total Carbohydrate 299.90g	109%
Dietary Fiber 20.10g	72%
Total Sugars 31.70g
Protein 190.30g	381%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2278mg	175%
Iron 16mg	91%
Potassium 1979mg	42%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 33.1%