Introduction

Bow tie pasta lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic layered dish, using bow tie pasta for a fun texture and easy assembly. This comforting meal combines creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and rich pasta sauce for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with a layered baked pasta dish. The top layer is a bubbly, melted light golden cheese with some darker spots sprinkled with black pepper. Beneath the cheese, you can see orange and red pasta shapes, bow-tie pasta coated in tomato sauce mixed with browned meat, forming at least two visible layers. Beside the baking dish on a white marbled surface, a white plate holds a serving of the same pasta with a fork resting inside, and a small glass bowl with green herbs is visible near the top. A blue and white striped cloth napkin is on the right side. A woman's hand is holding the fork on the plate off to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom.
Step 5: Add half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, then layer with half of the cream cheese mixture and half of the ground beef. Pour some pasta sauce on top.
Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cream cheese mixture, ground beef, and pasta sauce.
Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 8: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add sautéed garlic and onions to the ground beef while cooking.
Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version or add parmesan cheese for more depth.
Swap ground beef with cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different protein.
Mix in some cooked spinach or mushrooms for added veggies and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white square baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a red-orange tomato sauce with pasta, the middle layer has bowtie pasta mixed with a light brown meat sauce, and the top layer is melted white cheese sprinkled lightly with black pepper. A portion has been scooped out and served on a white round plate above the dish, showing the colorful layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. A fork is placed on the plate, and a small glass bowl with green herbs sits nearby on the white marbled surface. A striped blue and white cloth napkin is folded next to the dish. A silver spoon with some sauce rests near the bottom edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of bow tie?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work well in this recipe.

Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?

Yes, cooking the pasta first ensures it will be tender after baking and prevents it from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

This Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, using bowtie pasta instead of flat noodles. Cream cheese and shredded mozzarella bring creamy, gooey layers while ground beef and rich pasta sauce add hearty flavor. Easy to assemble and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Dairy

1 pound bowtie pasta
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Meat and Sauce

1/2 pound ground beef
24 ounces pasta sauce

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and milk until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add a rich texture to the lasagna layers.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Add Pasta Sauce: Pour the pasta sauce over the cooked ground beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked bowtie pasta, then spread some of the cream cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients until all are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it to set and makes for easier slicing.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Use low-fat cream cheese and mozzarella to reduce the fat content.
Let the lasagna rest after baking to improve texture and ease of serving.

Keywords: bow tie pasta lasagna, creamy lasagna, ground beef lasagna, easy pasta bake, Italian comfort food