Easy 3 Ingredient Baked Bow Tie Pasta Casserole
A Simple Cheesy Pasta Bake the Whole Family Will Love
If you’re looking for an easy comfort food dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this 3-Ingredient Baked Bow Tie Pasta Casserole is the perfect recipe. Made with tender farfalle pasta, rich tomato pasta sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese, this cheesy pasta bake is a budget-friendly family meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, and cozy Sunday dinners.
The slow baking process creates irresistibly golden, bubbly cheese and perfectly caramelized edges, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of homemade Italian-inspired cooking. Best of all, you only need three simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal everyone will request again and again.
Benefits of This Bow Tie Pasta Casserole
- Only 3 simple pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly family dinner
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Rich in calcium and protein from mozzarella cheese
- Easy to customize with your favorite pasta sauce
- Great for potlucks, gatherings, and weeknight meals
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 24 ounces thick tomato pasta sauce
- 3 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain thoroughly.
- Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the pasta sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Continue baking uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown, bubbly, and lightly caramelized around the edges.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the gooey melted cheese and rich tomato flavor.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Pasta Bake
- Use a thick pasta sauce for the richest texture.
- Add roasted garlic or basil pasta sauce for extra flavor.
- Replace 1 cup of mozzarella with sharp cheddar for a deeper cheesy taste.
- Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This easy baked bow tie pasta casserole is the ultimate comfort food recipe when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner with almost no effort.
