Spaghetti Crust Pie – A Comforting Twist on a Classic Casserole

Spaghetti Crust Pie is one of those comforting, budget-friendly meals that hits all the right notes—hearty, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. If you’ve never tried baking pasta into a crust that holds a rich tomato filling and layers of cheese, you’re in for a treat. This dish takes everything you love about spaghetti and transforms it into a sliceable pie that’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or making ahead for busy days.

Whether you’re working with leftover noodles or making it from scratch, this spaghetti crust pie is a brilliant way to turn a classic pasta dinner into something new and exciting. It’s also endlessly customizable—add meat, go vegetarian, or experiment with different cheeses like cottage cheese or ricotta. However you make it, one thing’s for sure: this baked spaghetti pie will become a family favorite in no time.

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What Is Spaghetti Crust Pie?

Unlike a traditional baked spaghetti casserole, spaghetti crust pie uses the noodles to create a firm crust that holds its shape when sliced. Cooked spaghetti is mixed with eggs and cheese, pressed into a pie dish or springform pan, and baked briefly to form a base. That crust is then filled with savory marinara sauce, your choice of protein or veggies, and topped with creamy cheeses before going back into the oven for a bubbly finish.

Think of it as part pasta bake, part savory pie, and all comfort. It’s the perfect recipe for repurposing leftover spaghetti pie ingredients, and it can be easily adjusted to fit what you have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Pie Recipe

If you love a good spaghetti bake, you’ll fall hard for this baked spaghetti pie recipe. It’s incredibly satisfying, packs easily for lunches, and reheats beautifully. It’s also kid-approved, meal-prep friendly, and makes a beautiful presentation for casual dinners or potlucks.

This spaghetti crust pie is especially useful when you’re craving pasta but want something you can slice and serve. It holds together beautifully, thanks to the egg and cheese binder in the crust, and the center stays soft and cheesy. It’s everything we love about casseroles—easy, delicious, and forgiving.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Crust Pie

Here’s what you need to make a classic spaghetti crust pie:

• 8 oz cooked spaghetti (about 3 cups)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• 1½ cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional: ½ pound cooked ground beef or sausage
• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

You can easily swap in ingredients for a vegetarian spaghetti pie, or layer in cream cheese for a richer version of spaghetti pie with cream cheese.

How to Make Spaghetti Crust Pie Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate or springform pan.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the eggs, Parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of your baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Add the filling: Spread the ricotta or cottage cheese over the baked crust. Add meat if using. Top with marinara sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Italian seasoning.
4. Bake again: Return the pie to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Cool slightly before slicing to allow the crust to set. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.

This spaghetti pie recipe (easy ricotta version) is as straightforward as it gets, yet the final dish looks like it came from a vintage cookbook.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To prepare your spaghetti crust pie, here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
• Mixing bowls
• Pie plate, tart pan, or springform pan
• Spatula or spoon
• Box grater (for fresh cheese)
• Foil (to prevent over-browning, if needed)

With these basics, you can whip up everything from a classic spaghetti pie to a creative variation like this mac and cheese meatloaf casserole.

Spaghetti Pie with Cottage Cheese or Ricotta?

Both cheeses work beautifully in a spaghetti crust pie, but they do offer slightly different textures. Spaghetti pie with cottage cheese is lighter and slightly tangier, while spaghetti pie with ricotta is creamier and smoother. Either way, the cheese helps balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and adds richness to every bite.

Want to try something even creamier? Consider layering in softened cream cheese, like you would in a cheesecake-stuffed baked apple.

Make It a Vegetarian Spaghetti Pie

To make a vegetarian spaghetti pie, simply skip the meat and bulk up the filling with sautéed vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even roasted red peppers make excellent additions. Combine them with extra sauce and cheese for a satisfying meatless main.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider pairing this with a side like lemon blueberry trifle for a balanced dinner menu that pleases everyone.

Leftover Spaghetti Pie? Here’s How to Store and Reheat

This dish is just as delicious the next day. Wrap your leftover spaghetti pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or, for best texture, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

It also freezes well. Freeze the entire pie or individual slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

Spaghetti Pie for Friends and Family

Whether you call it friendship spaghetti pie or just a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe was made for sharing. It travels well, slices easily, and satisfies even picky eaters. Serve it up with a fresh salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got an easy meal that feels special.

For more guest-friendly comfort food ideas, try our steak bake or sausage and potato casserole with spring veggies.

Tasty Variations and Add-Ins

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to put your own twist on spaghetti crust pie:

• Use cream cheese instead of cottage or ricotta for a thicker, tangier layer
• Mix chopped spinach into the cheese layer for color and nutrition
• Add a layer of sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage
• Spice it up with crushed red pepper or garlic powder
• Top with breadcrumbs for a crispier finish

This recipe is versatile enough that no two pies need to be exactly the same.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To get the most out of your spaghetti crust pie, avoid these common issues:

• Don’t skip baking the crust before adding filling—it helps it hold together
• Let the pie cool slightly before slicing, or it may fall apart
• Don’t use too much sauce or the pie can become soggy
• Avoid under-seasoning the crust—cheese and eggs alone need herbs to shine

What to Serve with Spaghetti Crust Pie

This savory pie pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with:

• Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted vegetables or grilled zucchini
• Crusty garlic bread
• A refreshing dessert like raspberry swirl shortbread cookies

Keep the rest of the meal simple to let the pie be the star.

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FAQ – Spaghetti Crust Pie

Can I make spaghetti crust pie in advance?
Yes! Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked. Thaw before baking or reheating.

Can I use gluten-free spaghetti?
Yes—just be sure it’s well-drained and not overcooked.

Is it better with ricotta or cottage cheese?
Both work! Ricotta is creamier, cottage cheese is lighter.

Can I make it without eggs?
You can try egg replacers, but the crust won’t hold as firmly.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Whether you’re repurposing pasta or starting fresh, this spaghetti crust pie recipe is a delicious way to bring something new to the table. It’s cozy, customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. From the crispy crust to the cheesy center, every bite feels like home.

If you loved this recipe, please share it and subscribe to recipesize.com for more comforting casseroles, creative bakes, and dinner ideas that everyone will love.

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