Bowtie pasta, with its distinctive butterfly shape, isn’t just for salads and light sauces—it can also be the star ingredient in hearty and delicious casseroles. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, bowtie pasta casseroles blend the comforts of baked pasta dishes with the fun and playful shape of farfalle. Here are some mouthwatering recipes that will make bowtie pasta casserole a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Cheesy Bowtie Pasta and Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups bowtie pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta al dente, according to package instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked pasta. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Vegetarian Bowtie Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
2 cups bowtie pasta
1 zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup spinach leaves
1 jar (24 oz) Alfredo sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta al dente. In a skillet, sauté zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and garlic until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with Alfredo sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Creamy Salmon and Bowtie Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups bowtie pasta
2 cups cooked, flaked salmon
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta al dente. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Fold in the flaked salmon and cooked pasta. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
Bowtie pasta casseroles are versatile and can be tailored to suit any taste, from meat lovers to vegetarians. They’re easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a special dish to impress guests, these recipes are sure to delight. So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, give these bowtie pasta casseroles a try.
Spicy Sausage and Tomato Bowtie Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups bowtie pasta
1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into pieces. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture, ricotta, and Parmesan. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
Ingredients:
2 cups bowtie pasta
1 small eggplant, cubed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta al dente. Combine the roasted vegetables with the cooked pasta and feta cheese in a large bowl. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, just until the feta is slightly melted. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Bowtie Pasta Casserole with Mushrooms and Gruyère
Ingredients:
2 cups bowtie pasta
1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream
1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan for topping
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bowtie pasta al dente. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté mushrooms and garlic until mushrooms are golden. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir for a minute. Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix the mushroom sauce with the cooked pasta, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle Parmesan on top and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
These bowtie pasta casserole recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer the rich, meaty textures of sausage and chicken or the fresh, lighter taste of vegetables and herbs, there’s a recipe here that will satisfy. Bowtie pasta casseroles are not only delicious but also present beautifully, making them perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and adding your own personal touch to make them uniquely yours.
