Picture this: a chilly autumn evening, the kind where the wind seems to whisper secrets through the trees, and you’re craving something warm and nostalgic. That’s when this baked spaghetti pie steps in, like an unexpected hug from an old friend. It’s as if lasagna and spaghetti had a love child—comforting, cheesy, and perfect for gathering around the table with family, even if the only thing you can all agree on is how good it tastes.
Steps
- Lightly coat a deep dish pie pan with cooking spray. Cook spaghetti noodles as per the package instructions, then drain and place the hot noodles into a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, beat an egg and add it to the noodles along with butter. Toss the mixture until the butter has melted completely.
- Add parmesan cheese, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, then gently combine everything. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared pie pan and press it down firmly.
- Evenly spread cottage cheese over the top of the pasta layer. If desired, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute.
- Spoon your preferred spaghetti sauce over the cheese layer and spread it to form an even coating. Use about 1½ cups of sauce.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the pie for 20 minutes. You may sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
- After baking, let the spaghetti pie cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve with fresh basil, a side salad, and crusty bread or breadsticks.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta as a substitute)
- 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- Can I prepare Spaghetti Pie ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the Spaghetti Pie in advance by assembling it completely but not baking it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’s best to add the pasta sauce just before baking if you plan to store it for more than a day.
- How should I freeze Spaghetti Pie?
- To freeze, cook the noodles until they’re just al dente, assemble the pie, and wrap it with a double layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge and consider serving it with extra sauce as some may be absorbed by the noodles.
- Can I substitute cottage cheese in the recipe?
- Yes, you can use ricotta cheese as an alternative to cottage cheese in the Spaghetti Pie recipe.
- What type of dish should I use for baking Spaghetti Pie?
- A deep-dish pie pan is suitable for this recipe, but you can also use an 8×8-inch square casserole dish or any similar-sized baking dish.
- Can I add meat to the sauce?
- Absolutely, you can enhance the sauce by using a meat-based spaghetti sauce or by adding cooked ground beef to your marinara sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Pre-Cook the Noodles Al Dente: When preparing to freeze the spaghetti pie, ensure you cook the noodles just until they are al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy during reheating after freezing.
- Layer the Sauce Just Before Baking: If making the pie ahead of time, assemble everything except the sauce if storing for more than a day. Add the sauce just before baking to avoid excess liquid pooling at the bottom of the dish.
- Consider Substituting Ricotta for Cottage Cheese: If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute cottage cheese with ricotta in the recipe. This can enhance the overall richness of the pie.
- Use a Deep Dish Pan for Best Results: Opt for a deep dish pie pan or an 8×8 inch square casserole dish to accommodate the layers of the spaghetti pie effectively, ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
Equipment
- Deep Dish Pie Pan or 8×8” Square Casserole Dish
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
- Aluminum Foil (for freezing instructions)