This simple baked dessert turns pantry staples into a cozy, old-fashioned treat with very little effort. Using dry bow tie pasta as the base gives the dish a nostalgic casserole feel, while sweet dairy and fruit create a pudding-like bake that is especially fitting for a family-style Grandparents Day dessert. It is the kind of practical, economical recipe many home cooks would appreciate for its ease, soft texture, and crowd-pleasing sweetness.
Serve this warm on its own or with a spoonful of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of cinnamon. For a fuller dessert table, it pairs nicely with hot coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk, and a side of fresh berries helps balance the sweetness.
Sweet Baked Bow Tie Pasta Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
12 ounces dry uncooked bow tie pasta
2 cans sweetened condensed milk, 14 ounces each
4 cups whole milk
1 cup golden raisins
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large oven-safe roasting pan.
2. Pour the dry bow tie pasta into the roasting pan and spread it into an even layer.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and cinnamon until smooth, then stir in the raisins.
4. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the pasta, pressing the pasta down gently so most of it is submerged.
5. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, stir carefully, then continue baking uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the top is lightly golden.
6. Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add fruit: Stir in a cup of drained crushed pineapple or a diced peeled apple for extra sweetness and a more old-fashioned dessert flavor. If using apple, cut it small so it softens fully during baking.
Use warm spices: Nutmeg, cardamom, or a little vanilla extract can round out the flavor nicely. Keep the seasoning gentle so the dessert stays soft and comforting rather than overly spiced.
Watch the liquid level: Different pasta brands can absorb liquid at different rates. If the pan looks dry before the pasta is tender, add a splash of milk, cover again, and continue baking until the bow ties soften.
Make it richer: A few small pats of butter dotted over the top before baking will give the finished dish a fuller, more casserole-like richness and help the top brown a bit more evenly.