I learned this delicious baked spaghetti recipe from a friend in Italy. It’s now my favorite way to cook spaghetti. This method is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Follow these detailed steps to create a delightful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 300g spaghetti
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 500g tomato sauce
- 100g sliced mushrooms
- 100g cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 5 cloves of garlic, cut in half
- Fresh basil to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 500ml water
- 200g grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Prepare the Spaghetti: Place 300g of uncooked spaghetti into a large ovenproof dish. Make sure the spaghetti is evenly spread out in the dish.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the spaghetti. This will help prevent the spaghetti from sticking together and add a rich flavor to the dish.
- Tomato Sauce: Pour 500g of tomato sauce over the spaghetti. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly, ensuring all the spaghetti is covered.
- Add Mushrooms: Sprinkle 100g of sliced mushrooms over the tomato sauce. The mushrooms add a hearty texture and earthy flavor to the dish.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add 100g of cherry tomatoes, cut in half, to the dish. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and sweetness.
- Garlic and Basil: Add 5 cloves of garlic, cut in half, and fresh basil to taste. The garlic infuses the dish with a robust flavor, and the basil adds a fragrant aroma.
- Seasoning: Season everything with 1 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add Water: Pour 500ml of water into the dish. The water will help cook the spaghetti evenly in the oven, absorbing all the flavors from the sauce and vegetables.
Baking the Spaghetti
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Preheating ensures that the dish will cook evenly.
- Bake the Spaghetti: Place the ovenproof dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish, as baking times may vary depending on your oven’s power. The spaghetti should be tender and the sauce bubbling.
Adding the Cheese
- Remove and Mix: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Carefully mix everything very well to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce and vegetables.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 200g of grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti. The cheese adds a creamy, melty layer that makes the dish even more delicious.
- Bake Again: Put the dish back in the oven and bake until the cheese has fully melted and is golden brown. This usually takes an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the baked spaghetti hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
- Meat Addition: For a heartier meal, add cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken to the spaghetti before baking.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Parmesan, cheddar, or gouda for a unique twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavor by adding different herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti if you have dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
This recipe provides a balanced meal with carbohydrates from the spaghetti, protein from the cheese, and vitamins from the vegetables. Adjust the amount of cheese and olive oil to manage the calorie content based on dietary preferences.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture of the cheese may change slightly.
This baked spaghetti with mushrooms and cherry tomatoes recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a modern twist. The combination of spaghetti, tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese creates a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.
Share this recipe with your friends and family to spread the joy of cooking. Don’t forget to leave a comment with the name of your city; we’d love to give you a shout-out and thank you for sharing. Happy cooking, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting texture of baked spaghetti, a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Buon appetito!
