Baked Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta

Introduction

Baked Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, family-friendly dish packed with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Tender bowtie (farfalle) pasta is tossed with savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, then baked until
bubbly and golden. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
4. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add Sauce & Seasoning: Pour in the marinara sauce. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top, then finish with grated Parmesan.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Description

This baked pasta dish delivers savory, slightly spicy sausage flavor combined with tangy tomato sauce and creamy melted cheese.
The bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, giving you a balanced bite every time. The baked top layer becomes perfectly golden
and slightly crisp, while the inside remains warm and comforting.

Tips

• Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.
• For a creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta or heavy cream into the sauce.
• Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become too soft after baking.
• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Correction

If your pasta turns out dry, you may have baked it too long or used too little sauce. Add an extra 1/2 cup of sauce before baking next time.
If it’s too watery, ensure the pasta is well-drained and allow the sauce to simmer longer to thicken before combining.

Enjoy

Serve your Baked Italian Sausage and Bowtie Pasta with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
This comforting casserole is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!