Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna
Bow tie pasta, cream cheese, ground beef, pasta sauce, and gooey mozzarella come together for a comforting, no-fuss Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna.
Can we talk about lasagna for a second? I love it, but let’s be honest—it’s a bit of a commitment. I mean, all the layers, the assembly, the dishes? It’s a whole thing. One day, mid-week, I was craving lasagna so badly but just couldn’t bring myself to go full-on traditional. I had bow tie pasta, a jar of sauce, some ground beef, and cream cheese in the fridge, and I thought, “Why not?”
This was one of those accidental recipes where everything just clicked. It’s not fancy, but it’s hearty, cheesy, and comforting in the best way. My kids devoured it, and my husband, who’s usually suspicious of “shortcuts,” admitted he liked it more than the original. (Don’t worry, I’m not telling Nonna.) Now, it’s my go-to when I want the flavors of lasagna without spending half the day making it.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna Recipe?
Let’s face it: life is busy, and sometimes you need a dinner that feels special without taking hours. This Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna delivers all the lasagna vibes—savory meat, rich sauce, melty cheese—but with way less effort. The bow tie pasta is the unsung hero here, catching all that creamy sauce in its folds. And the cream cheese? It takes this dish to a whole new level of comfort. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time you just want a big bowl of happiness.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s the lowdown on what makes this recipe work so well:
- Bow Tie Pasta: These little guys are cute and practical. They hold onto the sauce like champs, and you don’t have to worry about them breaking like lasagna noodles.
- Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient that makes everything luxuriously creamy. It’s like a hug for your pasta.
- Milk: Just a splash helps the cream cheese blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Ground Beef: Classic, but feel free to swap it for turkey, sausage, or even a meatless alternative.
- Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce. A garlic-basil one is especially good here.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and melted on top, it’s the cheesy crown this dish deserves.
How To Make Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna?
This dish is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever made lasagna the hard way.
1. Boil the Pasta
Start with a big pot of water. Bring it to a boil, toss in the bow tie pasta, and cook until al dente (firm but still tender). Drain it and set it aside—it’s about to get a whole lot tastier.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
While the pasta’s cooking, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it browns. Once it’s cooked through, drain the grease. Nobody wants a greasy lasagna, right?
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese (cut it into chunks so it melts easier), milk, and pasta sauce. Stir until everything is well mixed. It might take a little effort to blend the cream cheese, but trust me, it’s worth it.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce and mix until every piece is coated. This is the moment when you realize bow tie pasta might be the best pasta shape ever.
5. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray, then pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes (if you can wait) before serving. Dish it up and watch everyone’s faces light up. This is comfort food at its finest.
Storage Options:
This dish is fantastic for leftovers—if there are any. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, you can pop it in the microwave, but if you have time, the oven is your best bet for keeping that cheesy top crispy. If you want to freeze it, go for it! It’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even rigatoni would work great. Just use what you have on hand.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the ground beef and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You won’t even miss the meat.
So there you have it—an Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna that’s comforting, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to make. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out. Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear all about it!
Easy Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna
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
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Cook the Ground Beef
- While the pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese (cut into smaller pieces for easier mixing), milk, and pasta sauce. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
Assemble the Dish
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
