This crowd-pleasing Spaghetti Pie combines classic Italian flavors in a unique, family-style presentation that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish delivers a satisfying blend of tender pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese – all while keeping each serving at a reasonable 241 calories.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting guests, this creative twist on traditional spaghetti transforms your regular pasta night into something special.
Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti Pie
- Spaghetti noodles (8 oz): Regular or whole wheat, cooked al dente for best texture
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup): Finely chopped to distribute flavor evenly
- Butter (3 tbsp): Softened at room temperature for easy mixing
- Egg (1 large): Helps bind the pasta together
- Salt and pepper: Season to your preference
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Can substitute with ricotta for creamier texture
- Marinara sauce (1½ cups): Homemade or quality store-bought
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a deep dish pie plate
- Pasta cooking: Cook spaghetti following package directions until perfectly al dente
- Base mixture: Combine hot pasta with beaten egg and butter until well coated
- Seasoning: Mix in parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper thoroughly
- Form the crust: Press pasta mixture firmly into the prepared pie plate
- Layer assembly: Spread cottage cheese evenly, then top with marinara sauce
- Baking: Bake for 20 minutes until heated through
- Serving: Let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting into wedges
Cooking Techniques
This recipe brings together two comfort food favorites – spaghetti and pie! The magic happens when you mix hot pasta with butter, egg, and cheese.
The egg acts like glue, helping the pasta form a beautiful “crust” when pressed into the pie pan. Don’t skip the cooling time at the end – those 5-10 minutes help the pie set up perfectly for clean, photo-worthy slices.
Easy Variations
Make this recipe your own! Switch up the cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture. Love meat sauce? Use that instead of marinara.
You can also add a layer of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the pasta and cheese layers. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serving Tips
This fun twist on pasta night deserves a little pizzazz! Serve your spaghetti pie with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra parmesan on top. Add a simple green salad and warm garlic bread on the side. Want to make it extra special? Heat up additional marinara sauce to serve alongside each slice – just like you would with lasagna!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This spaghetti pie tastes amazing the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, pop individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Add a splash of extra marinara sauce on top to keep it from drying out. You can also freeze wrapped portions for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Spaghetti Pie
Equipment
- Deep dish pie plate
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 large egg
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1 1/2 cups marinara pasta sauce homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Lightly grease a deep dish pie plate with cooking spray
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain, and add hot noodles to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg. Add the butter and the warm pasta. Toss until butter is melted. Add parmesan cheese, basil, and a little salt and pepper and toss everything gently to combine. Empty pasta mixture into prepared pie pan and pat firmly into pan.
- Spread cottage cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Spoon your favorite spaghetti sauce over top and smooth into an even layer.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into wedges and serving.
- Store leftover spaghetti pie in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave.
