Spaghetti Pie is a culinary delight that marries the comfort of pasta with the charm of a home-cooked pie. Imagine twirling spaghetti noodles around your fork while savoring layers of creamy cheese and rich sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s like having a party in your mouth, and trust me, everyone will want an invitation. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipe ideas recipe.
This dish holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and the aroma of melted cheese wafted through the house. Spaghetti Pie is perfect for cozy nights in or festive occasions when you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you dreaming about seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Spaghetti Pie is not just easy to prepare; it’s a showstopper that turns heads at dinner parties
- You can easily adapt it to suit any dietary preference with various fillings
- The vibrant layers make it visually appealing, ensuring everyone will want a slice
- Perfect for meal prep too, it reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner later
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish at our last potluck—it was gone before I could grab a second helping.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti: Use standard spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente for the best texture in your pie.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for fresh ricotta; its creaminess adds richness and helps bind everything together.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality store-bought sauce works well, but homemade brings extra love and flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This gooey favorite tops off the pie with melty goodness; don’t skimp on this!
Eggs: They give structure to your pie, so make sure they’re room temperature for better mixing.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated works wonders, adding depth and a savory kick to each bite.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend enhances the flavor profile; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie
Start by cooking the spaghetti: Bring water to a rolling boil and add salt before cooking the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with eggs, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until creamy and smooth for that luscious filling everyone loves.
Mix in marinara sauce: Gently fold in marinara sauce into your cheese mixture until evenly combined. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor while maintaining that delightful creaminess.
Layer it up: Spread half of your spaghetti into a greased baking dish, followed by the cheese mixture, then top with remaining spaghetti. Finish off by sprinkling more mozzarella on top for that golden crust.
Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before slicing into it—trust me, patience pays off here!
Serve and enjoy: Slice into wedges and serve warm. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that leaves everyone smiling!
You Must Know
- Spaghetti Pie is the ultimate comfort food mashup that takes your pasta night to a whole new level
- The combination of spaghetti, cheese, and sauce baked to perfection creates an irresistible aroma
- Plus, it’s a hit at potlucks and family gatherings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your spaghetti al dente before mixing in the sauce and cheese. This ensures the pie holds together well when baked, avoiding any mushy disasters.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional marinara for pesto or Alfredo sauce. Toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Spaghetti Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate flavors
- A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick
- Ensure you grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking
I remember the first time I made Spaghetti Pie for my friends; they were amazed at how something so simple could be so delicious. Their compliments made me feel like a culinary genius!
FAQ
Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day before and bake it just before serving.
What sauces work best with Spaghetti Pie?
Marinara, Alfredo, or even a homemade tomato sauce all work wonderfully.
Is Spaghetti Pie suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just wrap individual portions tightly and freeze them for up to two months.
Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is a delightful fusion of pasta and savory pie that brings comfort food to a new level. Layers of al dente spaghetti, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara sauce are baked until golden and bubbly, creating a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to customize with various fillings, this showstopper will impress your guests while delighting your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (cooked al dente)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (fresh)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella; mix until smooth.
- Fold in marinara sauce until evenly combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, then the ricotta mixture, followed by the remaining spaghetti and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Swap marinara for pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
