Pasta Pie Recipe
Get ready to meet your new weeknight superstar: the Pasta Pie Recipe. Imagine all the coziest elements of classic Italian-American comfort food—tender spaghetti, a luscious ricotta layer, a rich, savory meat sauce, and a perfectly golden-baked cheesy top—coming together in one unbelievably satisfying slice. This dish isn’t just delicious, it’s downright fun to make and even more delightful to share with family or friends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for easy leftovers, this Pasta Pie Recipe will wow everyone at the table with just how creative pasta night can get.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest joys of the Pasta Pie Recipe is its straightforward ingredient list—nothing fancy or fussy, just simple pantry staples that each contribute to the flavors and textures that make this dish shine. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few pro tips on why they matter.
- Spaghetti or bucatini (12 oz): These long noodles form your flaky, satisfying “crust”—spaghetti delivers classic texture, while bucatini adds a heartier bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Tossing the cooked pasta with olive oil prevents clumping and keeps every strand tender.
- Eggs (2 large): They bind the pasta, turning it into a sturdy base that slices beautifully for serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings salty umami to the crust and helps the mixture hold together.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups, divided): For bright, tangy flavor balanced with savory depth—plus a splash of color.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds richness and meaty satisfaction—feel free to go with your favorite or a plant-based alternative.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer to perfection.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature herbaceous, aromatic kick.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Provides a creamy, gently tangy contrast that melts into the pie as it bakes.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 1/2 cups): Gets bubbly and golden up top—don’t skimp, it’s the finishing touch that dazzles!
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter: For greasing the pan, to help your Pasta Pie Recipe release cleanly and effortlessly.
How to Make Pasta Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven
To ensure a picture-perfect pie, begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray or butter, making sure to get the sides, and place the pan on a baking sheet (this tricks helps catch any saucy drips and keeps cleanup easy).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti or bucatini until just al dente, following package directions. Drain the noodles well and toss them with olive oil so they don’t stick together while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Pasta “Crust”
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan. Add your cooked, oiled pasta to this mixture, tossing until the strands are thoroughly coated. Press this into your greased springform pan, pressing some up the sides to create a sturdy, nest-like base for all the delicious layers to come.
Step 4: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef or sausage. Break the meat apart as it cooks, browning it until there’s no more pink. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce, the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Layer the Ricotta and Meat Sauce
Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over your pasta crust, gently smoothing it to the edges. Spoon the meat sauce right on top of the ricotta layer, adding a hearty, savory heart to the pie.
Step 6: Add More Sauce and Cheese
Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over your meat layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously across the top, making sure every bite will be gooey and golden after baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your assembled pie into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and turns a glorious golden brown. Let the Pasta Pie Recipe cool in its pan for at least 10 to 15 minutes before carefully removing the springform ring—this crucial pause helps everything set up for clean, beautiful slices.
How to Serve Pasta Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter a little extra grated Parmesan or chopped fresh basil over each slice just before serving for an irresistible pop of color and flavor. Even a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can take your Pasta Pie Recipe to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair hearty wedges of this pie with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra color and crunch. Warm, crusty garlic bread makes a classic partner, ready to help scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on individual plates for a restaurant-style touch, or bring the whole pie to the table and let everyone marvel as you unmold it. For a playful twist, cut the Pasta Pie Recipe into small squares and offer as an appetizer at parties—it’s always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—they hold their shape well and the flavors get even better after a night’s rest!
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly and placed in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. To thaw, just move a slice to the refrigerator overnight—super convenient for those nights you need dinner in a pinch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven (covered loosely with foil) until hot and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave slices in a pinch—just use a microwave-safe plate and heat in 1-minute bursts to keep things from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti or bucatini gives that classic noodle “crust,” feel free to experiment—angel hair gives a lighter feel, while penne or rigatoni can make for a chunkier, rustic pie.
Can I make the Pasta Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you sure can! Substitute cooked lentils, plant-based crumbles, or your favorite sautéed veggies for the ground beef or sausage, and stick with a meatless marinara sauce to keep it 100% vegetarian.
What prevents the pasta crust from falling apart?
The beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese act as a binder, helping the pasta to hold together after baking and cooling. Make sure to let your Pasta Pie Recipe cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes before releasing it from the pan for the cleanest slices.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be stirred into the meat sauce layer. Just cook out any excess moisture first so your pie sets up firm and tasty.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Pasta Pie Recipe slices are perfect either reheated or even enjoyed cold for a quick lunch. Try stacking a slice between toasted bread for a seriously indulgent pasta sandwich!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to give pasta night a new twist, I can’t recommend the Pasta Pie Recipe enough—it’s cozy, impressive, and endlessly adaptable. Pour yourself a glass of wine, bake this up, and get ready to make some delicious memories around your table!
Print
Pasta Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pasta Pie Recipe is a delightful twist on classic pasta dishes, combining layers of spaghetti, savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and zesty marinara baked to perfection in a springform pan. A crowd-pleasing main course that’s both comforting and impressive!
Ingredients
For the Pasta Crust:
- 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Meat Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (divided)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Layering:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and place it on a baking sheet.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then toss with olive oil.
- Prepare the pasta crust: Whisk eggs and Parmesan, add cooked pasta, and press into the springform pan.
- Cook the meat sauce: Brown the meat, add 1 1/2 cups marinara, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer.
- Layer the pie: Spread ricotta over the pasta crust, top with meat sauce, remaining marinara, and mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
