spaghetti pie recipe
The Best spaghetti pie recipe
I love how this recipe is flexible—you can adjust the ingredients to fit what you have on hand, but it always comes out delicious. The sauce is deep and flavorful, and the extra layer of cheese makes it feel indulgent without being too heavy. My kids swear by it, and honestly, so do I. It’s that kind of meal that feels like a treat but isn’t really a treat—it’s just good food that makes you feel good. Plus, it’s got some real benefits too. The whole grains in the pasta provide fiber, and the cheese adds calcium, while the vegetables in the sauce give you vitamins and nutrients. It’s not some extreme health food, but it’s not all bad either. And let’s be honest, when you’re sitting around a table with a big bowl of spaghetti pie, you’re not really thinking about nutrition—you’re thinking about warmth, comfort, and the fact that someone actually put effort into making something delicious. That’s what matters most.
Spaghetti Pie (Spaghetti Bake)
A comforting baked dish featuring spaghetti layered with creamy tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs, baked to perfection. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup (50g) chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz / 400g) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with oil. -
2
For the dough: In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Mix in flour and salt, then knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. -
3
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
4
For the sauce: In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool. -
5
For the filling: In a saucepan, heat cream and milk until warm. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. -
6
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the baking dish. Press gently into the bottom and up the sides. Poke holes in the dough with a fork to prevent puffing. -
7
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange cooked spaghetti in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the cheese cream mixture over the spaghetti. -
8
Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Whisk
- Large pot
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For a lighter version, reduce cream to 3/4 cup and use less cheese.
- Make sure to let the dough rise properly for a fluffier texture.
- You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the filling for extra flavor.
Watch Video Of How Spaghetti Pie (Spaghetti Bake) Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Pie (Spaghetti Bake)
What is the difference between spaghetti pie and lasagna?
Spaghetti pie and lasagna are both Italian-inspired baked dishes, but they differ primarily in their structure and ingredients. Spaghetti pie typically features a single layer of spaghetti noodles coated with a creamy sauce (often tomato or béchamel) and topped with cheese, while lasagna is built in layers with alternating noodles, meat sauce, cheese, and sometimes béchamel. Lasagna often includes ricotta or other cheeses, whereas spaghetti pie usually relies on a richer cheese blend like mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Can I make spaghetti pie without a deep dish pie pan?
Yes, you can make spaghetti pie in a standard 9×13-inch baking dish or even a casserole dish. Just ensure it’s large enough to hold the layers comfortably. For a more traditional deep-dish look, a pie pan works best, but a greased baking dish with extra cheese on top will also give a delicious result.
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What’s the best way to prepare the meat sauce for spaghetti pie?
The meat sauce should be rich and flavorful but not overly thick. Brown ground beef (or Italian sausage) in a pan, then sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Deglaze with red wine (optional) and tomato paste, then simmer with crushed tomatoes, broth, and herbs like oregano and basil until thickened. For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika.
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How do I prevent spaghetti pie from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy texture, pre-bake the cheese layer (or use a thin layer of béchamel) before adding the spaghetti and meat sauce. This helps set the cheese and absorb excess moisture. Additionally, bake at a moderate temperature (350°F/175°C) and cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to lock in moisture, then uncover to let it brown. Overbaking can also help dry out excess liquid.
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Can I use pre-made spaghetti noodles or should I make my own?
You can use pre-made spaghetti, but fresh or homemade works best for texture. If using dried noodles, cook them al dente and drain well to avoid a mushy pie. For a richer flavor, try fresh spaghetti from a pasta maker or even homemade egg noodles. However, pre-made works fine if you’re short on time—just ensure they’re not overcooked.
