If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a beautifully layered comfort food masterpiece that brings together savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella nestled within tender spaghetti strands baked to perfection. Every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the simple, fresh ingredients for this recipe is key to achieving its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the hearty sausage to the melty cheeses and vibrant marinara sauce, creating a balanced dish with incredible depth.
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage: Choose high-quality sausage without casing for the most flavorful base.
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory sausage.
- 4 large eggs: These help bind everything together perfectly when baked.
- 4 cups marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for vibrant tomato flavor, divided to layer and garnish.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A simple seasoning that gives a subtle aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that bring the whole dish together with authentic Italian flair.
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti: The heart of the pie, cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating those irresistible cheesy strands.
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish, plus extra for sprinkling on top.
- Basil for garnish: Fresh leaves bring color and a refreshing note to the rich pie.
- Olive oil: Used to grease the pan, ensuring the pie easily releases after baking.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Sauce
Start by removing the casing from the sweet Italian sausage and browning it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and fragrant. This step builds a savory foundation for your pie. Once browned, stir in half of your marinara sauce to combine those robust sausage flavors with the tangy tomato base. Set this delicious mixture aside to cool slightly as you prep the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente according to package directions. This ensures your pie will have a perfect texture—not mushy, not too firm. Drain the spaghetti well and toss it gently with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl where it’s ready for the next step.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta and Eggs
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, kosher salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will help bind the spaghetti together, infusing each bite with luscious, tangy flavor.
Step 4: Combine All Components
Add the ricotta and egg mixture, the cooked sausage and marinara, diced mozzarella, and parmesan cheese to the bowl of spaghetti. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each strand of spaghetti is coated with the rich cheese and sausage mixture. This combination is where magic begins!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a deep pie dish or springform pan with olive oil. Carefully transfer the spaghetti mixture into the pan, pressing down firmly to shape it into a neat pie. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese for a golden crust. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the edges turn crispy and the cheese is bubbling delightfully.
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe truly pop, fresh basil leaves are a must—scatter them on top just before serving for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This hearty pie pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some roasted seasonal vegetables for added color and nutrients. Garlic bread is also a welcome companion to scoop up any extra marinara.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your spaghetti pie in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch or make a layered casserole with additional mozzarella slices between layers for oozing cheese pulls. You could even add a drizzle of pesto or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a flavor twist that surprises and delights!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your spaghetti pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more overnight, making leftovers a tasty treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the baked pie well in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor quality.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave leftovers, but the oven method helps keep the crust crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet?
Absolutely! Using hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick to your Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe, perfect for those who love a bit of heat. Just be mindful of balancing the spice with other milder ingredients.
Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free spaghetti works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions and handle gently to avoid breaking the noodles when mixing.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! Simply swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, diced eggplant, or a plant-based sausage alternative. The cheeses and spices will keep the flavor rich and satisfying.
How do I prevent the spaghetti pie from falling apart when sliced?
Ensure you use enough eggs and ricotta to bind the spaghetti well, and press the mixture firmly into the baking dish before baking. Letting the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking also helps it set.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can, by using dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan substitutes. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same, and the Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe remains delicious and comforting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe — it combines the best of Italian flavors into a dish that’s both impressive and incredibly homey. Whether you’re cooking for family or wanting a cozy dinner that feels like a celebration, this pie is a fantastic choice. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a beloved classic on your table as well!
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Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Ricotta, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Spaghetti Pie recipe combines the comforting flavors of Italian sausage, rich ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and hearty spaghetti baked in marinara sauce. Perfect for a family meal, this savory pie is easy to prepare and yields a satisfying dish that tastes like a cross between spaghetti and lasagna with a delicious baked crust.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Egg and Seasoning
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 4 cups (about 32 ounces) marinara sauce, divided (plus extra if needed)
Garnish and Others
- Basil, for garnish
- Olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the sausage: Remove the casing from the sweet Italian sausage and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, diced mozzarella, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, and the cooked sausage. Mix thoroughly.
- Combine with pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese and sausage mixture, folding everything together gently to evenly coat the pasta with the cheese mixture.
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a deep 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the pie: Spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Add the spaghetti mixture, pressing it down evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, adding extra if needed to cover the surface.
- Top with additional cheese: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for a flavorful crust.
- Bake the pie: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the pie cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm with extra parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- If extra marinara sauce is needed to keep the pie moist, add according to preference.
- You can use shredded mozzarella instead of diced mozzarella for easier mixing.
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and slice more cleanly.
