Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love that this recipe combines the cozy, melty goodness of lasagna with bow tie pasta—no layering, no fuss. It’s customizable (swap in homemade or jarred sauce), quick to prep, and perfect for a busy weeknight when I want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound bow tie pasta
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8 ounces cream cheese
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2 tablespoons milk
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½ pound ground beef
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24 ounces pasta sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
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Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions; drain and return to the pot.
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While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat—drain the grease.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, chunks of cream cheese, milk, and pasta sauce; stir until creamy and well-mixed.
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Add the pasta to the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
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Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray, then pour in the pasta-beef mixture.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes at 350 °F, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Serves 8 people
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Prep time: About 15 minutes
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Cook time: About 30 minutes (pasta + bake)
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Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a leaner or more flavorful option.
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Adding chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms boosts the veggie content.
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For a richer twist, I mix in ricotta or creamier cheeses like mascarpone.
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To keep it ultra-easy, I use my favorite jarred marinara sauce—but homemade sauce works great too.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I simmer gently on the stove with a splash of extra milk or sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For freezer meals, I assemble it (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, I bake at 350 °F for about an hour until bubbly.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely—I’ve used ziti, penne, and rigatoni in place of bow ties. Just cook according to package directions and proceed as usual.
2. Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
I usually leave it uncovered, but covering it for the first 5–10 minutes helps melt everything without drying. Then uncovered for the last few minutes gives it a golden top.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—just omit the meat and add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peppers. You could also toss in ricotta for extra creaminess.
4. How do I prevent it from drying out?
Make sure there’s enough sauce and cheese, and avoid over-baking. Reheating with a little extra milk or sauce helps too.
5. Can I prep it ahead of time?
Definitely! I assemble it, refrigerate for a few hours or freeze (unbaked in foil), then bake when ready.
Conclusion
This Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is one of my favorite weeknight meals—easy, cheesy, and comforting. It delivers all the lasagna vibes with minimal effort, and I love how flexible it is with different cheeses, veggies, or meat. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a go-to dinner in my house.
Print
Easy Bow Tie Pasta (Bowtie Ziti) Lasagna
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this easy bow tie pasta bake is a perfect weeknight dinner using simple pantry staples and no layering required.
Ingredients
1 pound bow tie pasta
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons milk
½ pound ground beef
24 ounces pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to pot.
While pasta cooks, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain grease.
In a large bowl, mix cooked beef, cream cheese chunks, milk, and pasta sauce until smooth.
Add cooked pasta to the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray and pour in pasta-beef mixture.
Top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Swap ground beef with turkey or sausage.
Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more veggies.
Use ricotta or mascarpone for a richer texture.
Jarred or homemade sauce both work well.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or sauce.
Freezer-friendly: assemble, freeze unbaked, then bake from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
