bow tie pasta lasagna

There’s something absolutely charming about a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, don’t you think? Bow tie pasta lasagna has quickly become a favorite in our home, and let me tell you—it’s not just because of its whimsical shape. This recipe invites nostalgia, reminding me of my childhood dinners filled with laughter and family’s heartwarming stories. Gathering around the table to enjoy a comforting meal feels timeless, and this lasagna does just that effortlessly.

Not only is it a clever twist on traditional lasagna, but the bow tie pasta adds a playful flair that makes it delightful to eat. If you love a creamy pasta bake loaded with beef and cheese, stick around—I guarantee you’ll want to whip this up ASAP!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Imagine biting into a creamy, cheesy layer of goodness, where delightful bow tie pasta perfectly cradles flavorful ground beef and luscious cream cheese. Yes, please! This dish is a perfect amalgamation of comfort and creativity. The vibrant pasta sauce harmonizes beautifully with the subtle tang of cream cheese, offering a surprising depth while being incredibly simple to put together.

It’s great for busy weeknights when you want to skip the hassle but still serve your loved ones a meal that feels special. Plus, let’s not overlook how satisfying this recipe is—feeding a crowd? No problem! You can easily double it and feed the entire gang. With only a handful of ingredients, you can orchestrate a symphony of flavors that will leave mouths watering.

This isn’t just about filling bellies; it’s about making memories, and trust me, it’s a solution for any dinner dilemma that might sneak up on you.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the delicious components you’ll need to bring this dish to life. Each of these ingredients plays a starring role, contributing to the unmistakable flavor profile of this pasta lasagna!

• 1 pound bowtie pasta: The star of our show! Not only do these pasta shapes add fun, but they also hold onto the sauce and cheese splendidly. You could use other shapes if you like, but bow ties are definitely the prettiest!

• 8 ounces cream cheese: This will be your secret weapon, bringing that creamy richness that makes lasagna so comforting. It melts beautifully and offers a slight tang. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap it for ricotta or see how a vegan cream cheese works out.

• 2 tablespoons milk: Just a splash will help to smooth out the cream cheese, allowing it to mix easily into the other ingredients. Feel free to substitute with non-dairy options like almond or oat milk if needed.

• 1/2 pound ground beef: It’s all about adding heartiness! Cook it until it’s beautifully browned, which will give the dish its meaty flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can make a lighter version if you prefer.

• 24 ounces pasta sauce: This is where your flavor depth surprises! Use your favorite jarred sauce or try making a fresh marinara if you’re feeling adventurous. The choice of sauce can alter the flavor dramatically—rich and meaty, or light and herby—it’s all up to you!

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This melty classic provides that gooey, cheesy finish that we all crave. You can even add provolone or fontina for more adventurous cheese lovers!

The cooking process explained

Alright, let’s put this delicious creation together—follow me step by step, and I promise it’ll be a breeze!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is where the magic will ultimately happen.

2. Boil water in a large pot. Once it’s rolling, toss in your bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—just a touch firm because it will continue cooking in the oven.

3. While the pasta cooks, grab a skillet and cook your ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces; browning it nicely will add so much flavor!

4. Drain the grease from the skillet once the beef is nice and brown. There’s no need for excess fat here!

5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it as well and put it back in that large pot.

6. In a large bowl combine the cooked ground beef, cut-up chunks of cream cheese, the milk, and pasta sauce. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Don’t be shy—use some muscle here!

7. Stir in the bowtie pasta until every piece is well coated. At this point, you can take a little taste to adjust seasoning if you’d like… this is the time to shine!

8. Spray a baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. Pour all that amazing pasta mix into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Extra cheese? Always a good choice.

10. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Take a moment to enjoy that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your masterpiece is ready, let’s talk about how to present it! Allow your bowtie pasta lasagna to cool for a few minutes for easy serving—nobody wants molten cheese lava spilling everywhere.

Scoop it into bowls and consider pairing it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread could be a glorious companion, soaking up any leftover sauce beautifully. If you want to go gourmet, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s be real: leftovers are a blessing, and this dish stores incredibly well! Store any extras in airtight containers in the fridge—it should keep fresh for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it for a few minutes—just be cautious about overcooking as cheese doesn’t always reheat lovely.

You can also freeze portions for future meals! Just let it cool completely before wrapping tightly and tossing it in the freezer. It’ll be a savior for those busy nights for weeks to come.

Tips for a successful recipe

• Don’t rush the browning of the meat; that’s where a lot of flavor develops!
• Try adding seasonings like garlic powder or dried Italian herbs to the beef while it cooks for an extra flavor boost.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, think about adding vegetables like sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the mix—this is your creation, after all!

Creative Twists

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Consider swapping ground beef for chicken or even going vegetarian with lentils. You can try different cheese combinations—how does a mix of cheddar or gouda sound?

For a spicy kick, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or mix in a jalapeño. Want to go Mediterranean? Mix it up with feta and Kalamata olives!

Ingredients

1 pound bowtie pasta
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 pound ground beef
24 ounces pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Boil water and cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions.
3. While the pasta cooks, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Drain excess grease from beef.
5. Drain cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
6. In a bowl, combine cooked beef, cream cheese, milk, and pasta sauce. Mix well.
7. Stir the bowtie pasta into the beef mixture until coated.
8. Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and pour in the pasta mixture.
9. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Your questions answered

1. Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prep the dish up to baking, cover, and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready.

2. What if I don’t have bowtie pasta? Go ahead and use any pasta shapes you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time.

3. How can I make this vegetarian? Swap the beef for sautéed vegetables or mushrooms and use vegetarian cheese.

4. Can I freeze this dish? Yes! After it cools, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw before reheating.

5. What’s a good side to serve? A fresh salad or garlic knots would complement the flavor beautifully!

This bow tie pasta lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen right in your kitchen. With its vibrant flavors, creamy satisfaction, and countless variations, I daresay it’ll soon become a cherished recipe you make again and again. Cooking should be fun and creative, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Whether you devour it alone or share it with family and friends, like a fine story, each bite carries the love and warmth of your kitchen. Dive in, and let it whisk you away to a world of delicious comfort! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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bow tie pasta lasagna

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 40 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Description

Bow tie pasta lasagna combines playful pasta shapes with creamy layers of beef and cheese, creating a comforting and nostalgic meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound bowtie pasta (Can substitute with other pasta shapes.)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (Can be substituted with ricotta or vegan cream cheese.)
• 2 tablespoons milk (Can use non-dairy options.)
• ¹⁄₂ pound ground beef (Can substitute with ground turkey for lighter version.)
• 24 ounces pasta sauce (Use preferred jarred sauce or fresh marinara.)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Can mix with provolone or fontina.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the Pasta

   Boil water in a large pot and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
   Mark as complete

3. Brown the Beef

   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain excess grease.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, cream cheese, milk, and pasta sauce, mixing well.
   Mark as complete

5. Mix Pasta and Sauce

   Stir in the bowtie pasta until well coated.
   Mark as complete

6. Prepare Baking Dish

   Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly.
   Mark as complete

7. Top with Cheese

   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 4g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 2.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 4 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for future meals.

Keywords: bow tie, pasta, lasagna, comfort food, creamy, beef, cheese