If you’re searching for a dinner that’s as stunning as it is satisfying, this Pasta Pie Recipe is about to steal the show! Picture golden, cheesy strands of spaghetti bound together with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped around bursts of savory sausage and tangy marinara sauce. Every bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, making it the ultimate comfort food for gatherings, potlucks, or any night you want to wow your loved ones with something just a little extraordinary. Trust me, slice into this pasta pie and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pasta Pie Recipe shines with simple but thoughtful ingredients. Each plays a delicious role in the final dish: from creating the signature cheesy crust to infusing every bite with Italian-inspired goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we get started:
- Spaghetti or bucatini (12 ounces): These long noodles are the backbone of our pie, giving it structure and plenty of twirl-worthy texture.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A touch coats the pan, ensuring easy release and a crisp edge.
- Eggs (2 large): Eggs help “glue” everything together, so the pie slices cleanly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds salty, nutty richness that no pasta pie should be without.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Brings creaminess and mild, milky notes to every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Provides that irresistible melt and a bubbly, golden-brown top.
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, plus more for serving): Saucy, tomato-y goodness runs through the filling and makes it extra luscious on the plate.
- Italian sausage (½ pound, cooked and crumbled): Delivers a savory punch (swap for mushrooms or spinach to go vegetarian!).
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Quick, convenient, and bursting with flavor that infuses the whole pie.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds an herby, almost pizzeria-style aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The always-essential duo for perfect seasoning.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and a welcome freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Pasta Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready by the time your Pasta Pie Recipe is assembled. Give a 9-inch springform pan a generous coating of olive oil or nonstick cooking spray to ensure your pie slides out easily when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti or bucatini until it’s just al dente. Remember, the pasta will bake further in the oven, so you want to avoid overcooking it now. Drain the noodles and let them cool for a couple minutes so they don’t scramble the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Mix Up That Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re smooth and blended. Stir in the grated Parmesan, ricotta, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This creamy, cheesy mixture is the secret glue that makes this Pasta Pie Recipe slice so beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Mix-Ins
Add your slightly cooled pasta into the cheese and egg mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated (tongs work wonders here). Gently mix in the crumbled cooked sausage and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Every strand should be just coated—no dry bites allowed!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Now for the fun part. Pack the pasta mixture tightly into your prepared springform pan, pressing it down so it fills any gaps—this helps the pie hold its shape. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top for that craveable cheesy crust. Slide the pan into your oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until it’s puffy and golden on top.
Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven; this patience pays off with clean, tidy slices. Carefully release the springform ring, transfer the pie to a platter, and slice it into wedges. Serve with extra warm marinara sauce and a shower of fresh herbs for the finishing touch.
How to Serve Pasta Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This Pasta Pie Recipe is pure comfort on its own, but sprinkling it with chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving takes it over the top. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh herbs provide a bright, aromatic contrast to all that cheesy richness. For a little extra flair, offer a bit of grated Parmesan at the table for your guests to add as they wish!
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair the Pasta Pie Recipe with a crisp, green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf makes a great addition for soaking up any extra marinara sauce. If you want to serve veggies, roasted broccoli or zucchini are delicious, low-effort options that complement the pie’s savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
There are plenty of ways to make this dish extra special! Try baking the pasta in individual ramekins for charming, single-serve pies, or use a decorative cake stand to make the whole pie the centerpiece of your table. For potlucks or picnics, let the pie cool fully, slice it into wedges, and pack them up—it’s surprisingly great at room temperature, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the remaining slices tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The Pasta Pie Recipe will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for lunchboxes or quick weeknight meals.
Freezing
This Pasta Pie Recipe also freezes like a dream! For best results, let the pie cool completely, then wrap individual slices (or the whole pie) in a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to warm up your leftovers, you have options. For best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover the slice so it stays moist and heats evenly. Add a fresh sprinkle of herbs when serving for that just-baked touch.
FAQs
Can I make this Pasta Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the Italian sausage or swap it out for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even chopped roasted veggies. The pie will still be hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious.
What type Main Course
Traditional spaghetti or bucatini are perfect for holding the pie together, but you can experiment with other long pasta shapes if you like. Just avoid delicate pasta types, as you want sturdy noodles for the best slices.
How do I prevent the pie from sticking to the pan?
Be generous with greasing your springform pan—use olive oil or nonstick spray to coat every surface. If you’re extra cautious, you can line the base with parchment paper for even easier release.
Can I assemble the pie ahead of time?
Definitely! You can fully assemble the Pasta Pie Recipe up to a day before baking. Just store the pan, covered, in the refrigerator, then bake as directed when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge.
What can I use if I don’t have a springform pan?
No worries—a regular 9-inch cake pan or deep dish pie pan will work. Just be sure to grease it well and serve the pie in the pan, as it will be trickier to remove in one piece without the springform’s removable sides.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Pasta Pie Recipe before, you’re in for something truly special. This dish is comfort food with a playful twist, hearty enough for family dinners but impressive enough to wow your guests. Gather your favorite people, serve up generous slices, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds! Give this a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a year-round favorite in so many kitchens.
