If you're looking for a hearty, comforting dish that's simple to prepare, this No-Boil Baked Spaghetti is a game-changer! No need to pre-cook the pasta or dirty extra pots. This recipe combines everything in one dish for an easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve for family gatherings. The best part? The spaghetti cooks in the oven, absorbing all the saucy goodness, leaving you with perfectly cooked, flavorful pasta.
Get ready to ditch the boiling water and enjoy a fuss-free dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious no-boil baked spaghetti. Most of these ingredients may already be in your pantry!
- 12 oz dry spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy touch, but you can use whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, for a meatier dish)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Optional add-ins:
- Sautéed veggies like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamy, layered twist
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create this comforting, cheesy masterpiece:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
2. Brown the Meat (Optional)
If using ground beef or sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, then drain any excess grease. This step is optional if you'd prefer to keep the dish vegetarian.
3. Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce, water, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a little spice, you can add red pepper flakes here.
4. Assemble the Dish
Place the uncooked spaghetti directly into the prepared baking dish. Lay the noodles flat, overlapping as needed. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the spaghetti, ensuring all the noodles are covered. Gently shake the dish or press the noodles down to make sure they're fully submerged.
If you cooked meat, sprinkle it evenly over the top before adding the cheese.
5. Add the Cheese
Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and help cook the pasta.
6. Bake
Bake the dish, covered, for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the spaghetti soak up all the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Enjoy warm, cheesy bites of spaghetti goodness straight from the baking dish!
Tips for Success
- Break the Noodles: If your baking dish is smaller, you can snap the spaghetti in half to ensure it fits well in the dish.
- Use a Different Pasta: You can try using other long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Just ensure the sauce fully covers the noodles for even cooking.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty twist.
- Double the Recipe: Feeding a crowd? Double the ingredients and bake it in a larger casserole dish. Add a side salad and garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your no-boil baked spaghetti with a simple side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a basket of warm garlic bread. For a cozy family dinner, serve it with roasted vegetables or a glass of red wine for the adults. This dish even reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers the next day.
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this No-Boil Baked Spaghetti is bound to become a recurring favorite. Whether you're hosting friends or need a no-stress dinner idea, this recipe is here to save the day. Happy cooking!
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