Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting and simple twist on traditional lasagna, using bow tie pasta for a quick and delicious meal. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want hearty flavors without the fuss.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Drain the grease from the cooked ground beef and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
5. Step 5: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Step 6: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add them to the bowl with the ground beef. Add the milk and pasta sauce, then mix well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
7. Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the beef and sauce mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the ground beef while cooking.
• Try using ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a lighter texture.
• Mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan on top for a richer cheesy crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pasta lasagna in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a comforting, cheesy pasta casserole that combines tender bow tie noodles with a creamy mixture of ground beef, cream cheese, and pasta sauce, topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal prep and baking time.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta & Meat

• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 1/2 pound ground beef

Dairy & Sauce

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
2. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the bow tie pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Cook Ground Beef: While the pasta is boiling, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through.
4. Drain Grease: Once the ground beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat in the dish.
5. Drain Pasta: After the pasta finishes cooking, drain the water and return the pasta to the pot.
6. Combine Beef and Cheese: In a large bowl, add the cooked ground beef. Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add them along with the milk and pasta sauce. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese is melted and well incorporated into the beef and sauce mixture.
7. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the bowl with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta and beef mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish.
10. Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
• If cream cheese is too thick, soften it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before mixing for easier blending.
• Add some Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the beef mixture to enhance flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

Keywords: bow tie pasta, pasta lasagna, creamy pasta bake, easy pasta recipe, ground beef pasta casserole, mozzarella cheese pasta, baked pasta dish