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Ultimate Cheesy Baked Bowtie Pasta in 30 Minutes

cheesy baked bowtie pasta

A comforting baked pasta dish with bowtie pasta, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
  4. Mix in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  8. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra browning if desired.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella slices for a richer texture.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy baked bowtie pasta, bowtie pasta with meat sauce, mozzarella pasta bake, easy baked pasta dinner, cheesy pasta casserole recipe