Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with Baked Pizza Spaghetti, a delightful fusion of two beloved Italian classics. This recipe seamlessly combines the comfort of spaghetti with the flavors of a classic pizza, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and aromatic herbs, each bite is a journey through the best of Italian cuisine. Let’s dive into the ingredients and easy-to-follow directions for this mouthwatering creation.
Ingredients: Prepare to bring Italian flair to your table with these delightful ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 (16-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 4 ounces pepperoni sausage, sliced
Directions:
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delicious creation.
- Boil the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until tender yet firm to the bite, stirring occasionally. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the Spaghetti Mixture: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup mozzarella, milk, beaten egg, salt, and garlic salt. Add the drained spaghetti to this mixture and combine until well-incorporated. Spread this delightful spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Initial Layer: Bake the spaghetti mixture in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing it to set and form a delicious base for your pizza-inspired creation.
- Layer with Pizza Goodness: After the initial bake, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the spaghetti sauce over the noodle mixture, sprinkle with oregano and basil, and top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella. Finally, artfully arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown, approximately 30 minutes. The enticing aroma will let you know that a delectable masterpiece is in the making.
- Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the Baked Pizza Spaghetti stand for 5 minutes before cutting. This brief resting period allows the flavors to settle, ensuring each slice is a perfect blend of pizza and pasta goodness.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Baked Pizza Spaghetti is a celebration of flavors that brings together the best of both worlds – the comforting allure of spaghetti and the irresistible charm of pizza. Whether served for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat your taste buds to a fusion of Italian classics. Enjoy the delightful journey through layers of mozzarella, pepperoni, and aromatic herbs in every bite!