If you’re craving comfort food that brings the whole family to the table with smiles and empty plates, Spaghetti Pie is about to become your new obsession. Imagine your favorite pasta, but transformed into a sliceable, cheesy, saucy delight, nestled in its own golden spaghetti “crust.” It’s the ultimate mashup of classic Italian flavors and cozy casserole heartiness—plus, it’s just as good for casual weeknights as it is for impressing guests at a potluck. Once you try Spaghetti Pie, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient serves a delicious purpose: creating layers of flavor, creamy texture, and gooey comfort in every bite. The best part? The list is simple, and everything pulls its weight!
- Spaghetti (6 ounces, uncooked): This forms the sturdy, golden crust—classic pasta flavor meets clever pie engineering!
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Coats the hot pasta for richness and helps the spaghetti maintain its delicious texture in the oven.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): Acts as the binder that turns strands of spaghetti into a sliceable “crust.”
- Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup, grated): Provides a nutty, salty bite and helps crisp up the noodle base.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Offers a creamy layer in the middle, balancing the heartiness of the meat sauce and the spaghetti.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Gives that irresistible, stretchy, melty topping. Don’t skimp here!
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, plus extra for serving): Brings bright tomato flavor and keeps the layers moist. Homemade or store-bought both shine!
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (½ pound, optional): Bumps up the savory flavor, but you can easily skip for a vegetarian option.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds that essential herby Italian flavor—go ahead and toss in extra if you love it like I do.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Never underestimate the power of perfect seasoning—taste as you go!
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle on top brings color and garden-fresh flavor to each slice.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is working its magic, cook your spaghetti in well-salted water until it’s just al dente—don’t overcook, as the noodles will finish in the oven. Drain well and get ready for the next step!
Step 2: Create the Spaghetti “Crust”
While your pasta is still piping hot, toss it with butter right in the pot or a large bowl until the butter melts and every strand shimmers. Stir in the beaten egg and Parmesan cheese, making sure the noodles are evenly coated. This fragrant, cheesy pasta mixture is your “crust”—press it into a greased 9-inch pie dish, working it up the sides with the back of a spoon to make a cozy nest for all the goodies to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce (Skip for Veggie Version)
If you’re using meat, now’s the time to brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Crumble it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. When nicely browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, sprinkle in the oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer together for just a minute so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Now it gets really fun! Gently spread the ricotta cheese over your spaghetti crust (an offset spatula works wonders here). Spoon your savory meat sauce—and all its delicious juices—over the ricotta in an even layer. Finally, shower the entire top with shredded mozzarella. If you want extra cheese (who could blame you?), go for it.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Pop the pie into the hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and gloriously golden. Once baked, let your Spaghetti Pie rest for at least 10 minutes—this helps everything set so you get beautiful, tidy slices that hold together on the plate.
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie
Garnishes
Elevate each slice with a shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color and a fresh edge, but it makes the whole pie look irresistibly inviting—plus, no one can resist those pretty green flecks against melted cheese!
Side Dishes
I love serving Spaghetti Pie with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for the perfect Italian-inspired feast. For extra coziness, pair with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. Every bite is comfort food at its finest, especially with a little extra marinara on the side for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Spaghetti Pie into wedges and stacking them on a platter for a buffet, or serve mini-pies in ramekins for a dinner party. Leftovers? Pop a slice between two pieces of crusty bread for the most epic sandwich ever—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once everyone’s had their fill, let any leftover Spaghetti Pie cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the entire dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I promise, lunch the next day is something to look forward to!
Freezing
Spaghetti Pie freezes like a dream. Assemble and bake, then cool completely. Wrap well and freeze whole (or in slices) for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label and date—future you will be so grateful when you open the freezer and see this waiting.
Reheating
To reheat, loosen the foil and bake your refrigerated or thawed pie at 350°F until hot and bubbly—usually about 15 minutes for slices, 25 minutes for a whole pie. For a quick lunch, use the microwave; just heat slices in 30-second bursts until steaming. If you want to bring back that melty top, a minute under the broiler works wonders.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Pie ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold) and enjoy the convenience and flavor.
What’s the best way to make it vegetarian?
Skip the meat and swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers for a veggie-packed version. The cheesy, saucy elements still shine just as brightly, giving you a hearty and satisfying meatless meal.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! Feel free to play with the cheese layer—try a blend of Italian cheeses or add provolone or fontina for extra melt and flavor. Just make sure you have a good melty variety on top for that golden, bubbling finish.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
The secret is draining the pasta well and brushing a little melted butter along the bottom of the pie dish before pressing in the spaghetti mixture. Also, letting the pie rest before slicing helps each layer firm up perfectly.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Spaghetti Pie is a dream lunch or quick dinner. Reheat slices as described above, or chop them up and add to sautéed vegetables for a fun, pasta-packed stir-fry. You can also freeze single portions to stash away for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a hearty, cheesy Spaghetti Pie that makes every day feel a little bit more special. Whether it’s your first time baking this savory pasta masterpiece or it becomes a regular guest at your family table, this dish is sure to win everyone over. Go on—grab your pie dish and give this recipe a try. You’re going to fall in love, one slice at a time!
Print
Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spaghetti Pie is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti. This savory pie features a spaghetti crust filled with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Crust:
- 6 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for serving
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare Crust: Toss hot pasta with butter, then mix in beaten egg and Parmesan. Press into a greased pie dish to form a crust.
- Cook Meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, then mix in marinara, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Pie: Spread ricotta over crust, layer with meat sauce, and top with mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pie rest, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve with extra marinara.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- This dish is perfect for using up leftover pasta and sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
