Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Pie
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Pie, a satisfying twist on traditional spaghetti that transforms your favorite Italian dish into a scrumptious pie! Layered with creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and Romano cheeses, this dish is as comforting as it is easy to prepare. Whether you choose to make your own marinara sauce or opt for a quality store-bought version, this recipe guarantees a delicious dinner that pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh salad. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this vegetarian delight is sure to please everyone at your table.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1/2 lb (cooked and drained)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
part-skim ricotta cheese
15 ounces (container)
fresh parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
fresh romano cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
marinara sauce
3-4 cups (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2
While the spaghetti is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Grease a 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
4
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to beat the eggs until well combined.
5
Add the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the beaten eggs. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
6
Gently fold the cooked and drained spaghetti into the cheese mixture, ensuring that all the pasta is evenly coated.
7
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared pie plate, spreading it evenly across the dish.
8
Pour the marinara sauce over the spaghetti, making sure to cover it completely.
9
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining grated Romano cheese generously on top of the marinara sauce.
10
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
11
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time will make it easier to cut and serve.
12
Using a sharp knife, cut the pie into wedges and serve warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
25
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Pie?
It is a savory twist on traditional spaghetti that uses a cheese and egg mixture to bind the pasta into a pie-like shape, topped with marinara and melted cheeses.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses pasta, eggs, various cheeses, and marinara sauce without meat.
How many calories are in a serving of this spaghetti pie?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What size pie plate should I use?
A 9-inch glass pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
Why are eggs included in the pasta mixture?
The beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the spaghetti hold its shape so it can be sliced into wedges like a pie.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the spaghetti pie need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
While ricotta provides a creamy texture, some people substitute it with cottage cheese, though the texture will vary slightly.
How much spaghetti do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 pound of spaghetti, which should be cooked and drained before mixing.
What are the three types of cheese used in this dish?
This recipe uses a blend of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, and romano cheeses.
Do I need to grease the pie plate?
Yes, grease the 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use either a quality store-bought marinara sauce or a homemade version.
How much marinara sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 cups of marinara sauce.
Why should I let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking?
Resting allows the pie to set, which makes it much easier to cut into clean, stable wedges.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add meat to this spaghetti pie?
Yes, you can easily add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or ground turkey to the marinara sauce layer.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella works well, though freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly.
How do I know when the pie is finished cooking?
The pie is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a light golden color.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pie and store it in the refrigerator before baking, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti can be used as a healthier alternative to traditional white pasta.
How many grams of fat are in one serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, its cheesy flavor and familiar pasta ingredients make it a very popular choice for families with children.
Can I freeze this spaghetti pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pie. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While spaghetti is traditional for this pie, thin linguine or angel hair can also work.
Should the spaghetti be hot when I add the eggs?
It is best to let the spaghetti cool slightly so it doesn't scramble the eggs immediately upon contact.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: spaghetti, eggs, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, romano, and marinara sauce.