Creamy Four-Cheese Pesto Baked Spaghetti
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Four-Cheese Pesto Baked Spaghetti, a delightful fusion of creamy ricotta, aromatic pesto, and a trio of melting cheeses. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a luscious cheese mixture and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella. Easy to prepare and a sure winner among cheese lovers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dining table.
6
Servings
533
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti
1 lb (uncooked)
Ricotta Cheese
1 lb
Prepared Pesto Sauce
12 ounces
Mozzarella Cheese
2.5 cups (shredded)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (grated)
Goat Cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente texture; drain thoroughly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with ricotta cheese, pesto sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated parmesan, and crumbled goat cheese.
5
Mix well until the spaghetti is evenly coated in the cheese and pesto mixture.
6
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella and ½ cup of parmesan cheese over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
9
For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven setting to broil and broil for an additional 1 minute, watching closely to prevent burning.
10
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve hot for maximum enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
32.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Four-Cheese Pesto Baked Spaghetti?
It is a rich and comforting pasta dish that combines spaghetti with ricotta, aromatic pesto, and a trio of melting cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly.
How many types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses four distinct types of cheese: ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the spaghetti.
How long should I cook the spaghetti before baking?
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to ensure an al dente texture after baking.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 13x9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much pesto sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of prepared pesto sauce.
How much ricotta cheese is included in the mixture?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is used in total?
A total of 2.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese is used, with 1 cup mixed in and 1.5 cups sprinkled on top.
How much parmesan cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, divided into two half-cup portions for the mixture and the topping.
What role does the goat cheese play in this recipe?
Crumbled goat cheese adds a unique tanginess and creamy texture to the pasta mixture.
How long does the dish need to bake in the oven?
The spaghetti should bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
How can I get an extra crispy cheese topping?
Switch the oven setting to broil for an additional 1 minute at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has about 32.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the dish to prevent the pasta and cheese from sticking.
Can this recipe be considered a casserole?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a casserole-style baked pasta dish.
Is the spaghetti cooked before mixing?
Yes, the spaghetti is boiled until al dente and drained before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What should I do after taking the dish out of the oven?
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving it hot for the best flavor and texture.
What kind of flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, aromatic herbal pesto, and the salty, savory notes of the melted cheeses.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include baked spaghetti, cheese, pesto, comfort food, Italian, and family recipe.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for cozy nights or family dinners.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: spaghetti, ricotta, pesto sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and goat cheese.
Can I use any type of pesto?
The recipe calls for prepared pesto sauce, which can be store-bought or homemade.
Is the goat cheese crumbled or spread?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of crumbled goat cheese.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil while baking?
The instructions do not specify covering the dish, as the goal is to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
What is the preparation style for the parmesan cheese?
The parmesan cheese should be grated for this recipe.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under 'Spaghetti' and 'Pasta dish'.