Savory Spaghetti Cheese Pie
This savory spaghetti cheese pie is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Inspired by a popular dish shared at a Pampered Chef party, this recipe combines the creaminess of ricotta and a blend of cheeses with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With a blend of fresh herbs and spices, this dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this spaghetti pie is sure to become a household favorite, garnering requests for seconds and the recipe itself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
thin spaghetti
8 ounces (broken in half, cooked and drained (about 4 cups))
green onions
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh Parmesan cheese
3 ounces (grated, divided (3/4 cup))
part-skim ricotta cheese
1 (15 ounce) container
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
butter
3 tablespoons (optional)
salt
3/4 teaspoon
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (divided (4 oz.))
spaghetti sauce
1 (26 ounce) jar
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
parsley
to taste (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, green onions, garlic, chopped parsley, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten egg, butter (if using), salt, Italian seasoning, and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased shallow casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base of your pie.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the spaghetti sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Pour this mixture evenly over the spaghetti base.
5
Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
6
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the pie feels firm to the touch.
7
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.
8
Slice into wedges and serve warm, enjoying the wonderful medley of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spaghetti Cheese Pie?
It is a hearty casserole dish that combines cooked spaghetti with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with spaghetti sauce and baked until firm.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thin spaghetti, broken in half and cooked before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Is this spaghetti pie recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the provided ingredients like cheese, pasta, and herbs, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish as long as the spaghetti sauce used is meat-free.
At what temperature should I bake the pie?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking this dish.
How long does the Savory Spaghetti Cheese Pie need to bake?
It typically takes approximately 30 minutes in the oven, or until the top is golden and the pie feels firm.
What cheeses are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of three cheeses: ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
While ricotta provides a specific creamy texture, some people substitute it with cottage cheese, though the final consistency may vary.
What is the purpose of the egg in the spaghetti mixture?
The lightly beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the spaghetti and cheese mixture set and hold its shape like a pie when sliced.
Is the butter mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 3 tablespoons of butter are listed as optional in the ingredient list.
How should I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be finely chopped before being added to the spaghetti mixture.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be drained before mixing them with the spaghetti sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 3 ounces (about 3/4 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese, which is divided between the filling and the topping.
What size jar of spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need one 26-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
How do I layer the ingredients?
First, spread the spaghetti and cheese mixture into a casserole dish. Then, pour a mixture of sauce and diced tomatoes over the base, and finish with a sprinkle of cheese.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and Italian seasoning.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased shallow casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs.
How should I serve the spaghetti pie?
Once baked and slightly cooled, you should slice the pie into wedges and serve it warm.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this version is vegetarian, you could add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce layer if desired.
How do I garnish the finished dish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with additional chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or gatherings.
How do I know when the pie is ready to be removed from the oven?
The pie is done when the cheese on top is golden and the pie feels firm to the touch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers in advance and keep it refrigerated, then bake it when you are ready to eat, though you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
What size container of ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce container of part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella is added to the filling versus the topping?
3/4 cup of mozzarella goes into the spaghetti mixture, and the remaining 1/4 cup is sprinkled on top.
Does the spaghetti need to be broken?
Yes, the recipe recommends breaking the spaghetti in half before cooking to make it easier to mix and serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While thin spaghetti is recommended, other long pasta types like angel hair or regular spaghetti would also work.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it is noted as being easy to prepare and a household favorite.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Should I let the pie cool before slicing?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps the pie set so it slices more cleanly.