Cheesy Italian Bow Tie Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Italian Bow Tie Pasta Bake is a delightful and comforting dish that the whole family will love. It's an easy-to-make casserole that combines tender bow tie pasta with a savory garlic and onion spaghetti sauce, enhanced with zesty Italian seasoning. Topped with a generous layer of molten mozzarella cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that kids and adults alike will savor!
4
Servings
300
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
garlic and onion spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) jar (ready to use)
Italian salad dressing mix
1 envelope (dry mix)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic and onion spaghetti sauce with the Italian salad dressing mix. Stir until well combined.
4
Gently fold in the cooked bow tie pasta, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Spread it evenly.
6
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta.
7
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve hot.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
40g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Bow Tie Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole that combines bow tie pasta with garlic and onion spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, and molten mozzarella cheese.
How long does it take to bake this pasta?
The dish should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes in the oven.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What kind of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of bow tie pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while bow tie is recommended, other shapes like penne or rotini would also work well.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
A 16-ounce jar of garlic and onion spaghetti sauce is used.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is categorized as a kid-friendly meal that the whole family will love.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Can I add meat to this pasta bake?
Yes, you can easily add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein.
How should I store leftover pasta bake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking; ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to cover the pasta while it bakes?
No, the recipe specifies baking the dish uncovered so the cheese becomes bubbly and golden.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is preferred for its melting quality, you can use a blend of Italian cheeses or provolone.
What are some good side dishes for this bake?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment.
Is the Italian salad dressing mix liquid or dry?
The recipe uses one envelope of dry Italian salad dressing mix.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is ready when the cheese is bubbly and has turned a golden brown color.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta and sauce in the dish and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the spaghetti sauce you choose does not contain meat, this is a vegetarian dish.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package directions, then drained well.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely, you can substitute the jarred sauce with 16 ounces of your favorite homemade sauce.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
Specific fiber content is not listed for this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Yes, adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms would be a great way to include more vegetables.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How much pasta by weight should I use?
Use 8 ounces of dry bow tie pasta.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a 9x13 inch baking dish for more servings.