Description
Turn yesterday’s pasta into a delicious new meal with this Leftover Spaghetti Bake! This easy baked spaghetti recipe combines leftover spaghetti with marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked until golden, bubbly, and cheesy, it’s a comforting family dinner that’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for using up leftovers.
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover cooked spaghetti
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Combine the Spaghetti
Place the leftover spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the marinara sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the Spaghetti Bake
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta and gently spread it into an even layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
7. Serve
Allow the Leftover Spaghetti Bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy while warm and cheesy.
Recipe Tips
- Use spaghetti that already has meat sauce for an even heartier bake.
- Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
- If your leftover spaghetti is dry, add a little extra marinara sauce before baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it slices more easily.
