Hearty Baked Spaghetti Delight
Discover a twist on traditional spaghetti with our Hearty Baked Spaghetti Delight, a dish reminiscent of nostalgic flavors paired with modern convenience. As a child, I cherished trips to Godfather's Pizza for their unique baked spaghetti, a comforting dish crafted from the day's leftover pasta. Years later, I found a close match in Classico's Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions sauce, while Newman's Own Sockarooni Sauce provides an equally delightful alternative. This recipe captures those cherished flavors, offering a delicious, cheesy, and savory baked pasta experience perfect for any gathering, or as a comforting solo indulgence. It's quick to prepare and sure to become a household favorite. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Italian turkey sausage
1 lb (remove from casings, crumble and brown)
Spaghetti
1/2 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Spaghetti sauce
24 ounces (mixed with sour cream)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (mixed with sauce)
Italian cheese blend
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully remove the Italian turkey sausage from its casings. Crumble it into a frying pan and cook over medium heat until it's browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess oil.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the jarred spaghetti sauce with the sour cream, creating a creamy, tangy sauce base.
4
Ladle 1/4 cup of the creamy sauce mixture into the bottom of your chosen baking dish (8x8, 9x9, or 10x10 inches). Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of the freshly grated Parmesan.
5
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
6
In a large bowl, toss the drained spaghetti with the cooked sausage, red pepper flakes, the remaining creamy sauce, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of the Italian cheese blend.
7
Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, layering it on top of the sauce.
8
Sprinkle the remaining Italian cheese blend over the top of the spaghetti, ensuring an even distribution for a bubbly, golden crust.
9
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a light golden-brown finish.
10
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to harmonize and for easier serving.
11
Serve warm, optionally paired with slices of crusty bread for a hearty and fulfilling meal experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Baked Spaghetti Delight?
Hearty Baked Spaghetti Delight is a cheesy, savory baked pasta dish that offers a twist on traditional spaghetti, inspired by nostalgic flavors from Godfather's Pizza.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 8 servings.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sweet Italian turkey sausage, removed from its casings and crumbled.
Can I substitute turkey sausage for another meat?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey sausage with sweet or spicy pork Italian sausage if you prefer.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of spaghetti sauce is recommended?
Classico's Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions sauce or Newman's Own Sockarooni Sauce are excellent choices for this dish.
Why is sour cream used in this recipe?
Sour cream is mixed with the spaghetti sauce to create a creamy and tangy sauce base that adds richness to the pasta.
What size baking dish do I need?
You can use an 8x8, 9x9, or 10x10 inch baking dish for this recipe.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
The spaghetti should be cooked according to package instructions until it is al dente, then thoroughly drained.
How much spaghetti is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of spaghetti for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the red pepper flakes?
A small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes is added to provide a very subtle hint of heat and flavor depth.
How do I prepare the sausage?
Remove the sausage from its casings, crumble it into a frying pan, and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, then drain the oil.
How do I layer the dish?
Start by ladling 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture and 2 teaspoons of Parmesan into the bottom of the dish before adding the pasta mixture.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an Italian cheese blend.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese in total.
How much Italian cheese blend is needed?
You will need 1 cup of Italian cheese blend, divided for use inside the mixture and as a topping.
How long does the spaghetti bake?
Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and light golden-brown.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let the dish cool for approximately 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow flavors to harmonize and make serving easier.
What can I serve with Hearty Baked Spaghetti Delight?
This dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, with a preparation time focusing on browning meat and boiling pasta, it is considered a quick and easy dinner option.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While spaghetti is traditional for this 'spaghetti pie' style, shapes like linguine or fettuccine would also work.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Ensure it is tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a microwave for individual portions.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be great additions to the meat mixture.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is mild, though the 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a very slight warmth.
What is in an Italian cheese blend?
An Italian blend typically includes a mix of Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, and sometimes Asiago or Fontina.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, low-fat sour cream can be used, though the sauce may be slightly less rich than with full-fat sour cream.
Can I use homemade sauce instead of jarred?
Yes, you can use 24 ounces of your favorite homemade marinara or meat sauce in place of the jarred version.