Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mind-blowing Cheese Stuffed Baked Spaghetti! Imagine cutting into a bubbling, golden-topped dish that oozes with three different types of cheese and delivers a flavor explosion in every single bite. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a comfort food masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Place cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti, gently folding to distribute.
- Pour marinara sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring even coverage. Use a spatula to spread sauce if needed.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the spaghetti. Then dust with grated parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy texture when baking
- Make sure to thoroughly mix the ricotta cheese with egg and seasonings for even flavor distribution
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste - homemade or premium store-bought works best
- Don't skip the aluminum foil in the first baking stage to prevent cheese from burning
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make serving easier
- For extra richness, you can add some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the recipe
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be a great garnish to add color and fresh flavor
- Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 375°F for consistent cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 95mg
