If you have been searching for a comforting yet uniquely delicious dish to brighten up your dinner table, then look no further than this Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe. It’s a glorious twist on classic spaghetti, transformed into a savory pie that brings together tender pasta, aromatic basil, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious blend of four cheeses. Every forkful offers a hearty and cheesy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe truly shine is the careful selection of simple ingredients that pack incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the perfectly cooked spaghetti providing the base structure, to the rich Italian sausage infusing the pie with meaty depth, all the way to the fresh basil that brightens things up with a pop of herbal freshness.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The foundation of the pie, cooked al dente to hold its shape and texture perfectly in the crust.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the spaghetti crust, helping it hold together when baked.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a crisp, golden crust on the spaghetti.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¾ tsp garlic powder: Provides a warm, aromatic undertone essential to Italian cooking.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided): Adds nutty, salty flavor throughout the pie and helps firm up the crust.
- ½ lb Italian sausage: The star protein, cooked until browned for a juicy, flavorful filling.
- 1½ cups spaghetti sauce: A tangy and herbaceous base that ties all ingredients together.
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil: Offers a fresh, peppery bite that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture and a lighter cheese component contrasting the sharpness of other cheeses.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey, irresistible cheesiness to the top and filling.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Plate and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your spaghetti pie will release beautifully after baking. Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. This perfectly cooked pasta will form the delicious base and crust of your pie.
Step 2: Create the Spaghetti Crust
In your bowl of spaghetti, toss in one large egg, ¼ cup melted butter, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These additions transform the pasta into a flavorful, cohesive mixture that can be pressed into your prepared pie plate. Press the spaghetti mixture evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to form a crust that will hold the filling securely. This step is crucial for that impressive pie shape and a crispy, golden texture.
Step 3: Cook the Italian Sausage Filling
While the crust sets, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling rich but not oily. To your cooked sausage, add the 1½ cups of spaghetti sauce and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil, stirring well for a fragrant, savory meat sauce that will be layered inside the pie. This mixture infuses the pie with bold Italian flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Now the fun part—assembling the pie! Spread 1 cup of cottage cheese mixed with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the spaghetti crust. Then spoon the meat sauce mixture on top, spreading it gently but thoroughly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan cheese evenly across the top, ensuring each bite will be delightfully cheesy and golden when baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled spaghetti pie into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until heated through and the top is bubbling and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it stand for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting time allows the filling to set, so your slices hold their shape and every forkful is perfectly tidy and delicious. Immediate serving will lead to a runnier texture and messy presentation, so patience truly pays off here.
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving game with fresh garnishes! A sprinkle of additional chopped fresh basil or some freshly cracked black pepper adds a vibrant color contrast and a burst of fresh flavor. You can also show off your love of cheese with a light dusting of grated Parmesan directly on the pie slice or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to impart a subtle richness.
Side Dishes
This Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides to balance its richness. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli with a squeeze of lemon. Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls also complement the pie’s hearty texture, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve the pie in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a delightful personal touch. You might also consider layering the pasta crust in a springform pan for a taller, more dramatic presentation. For extra flair, top each serving with a sunny-side-up egg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The leftovers from this Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe are easy to store and perfect for next-day meals. Simply cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish at a later date, freezing is a handy option. Cool the fully baked pie completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your spaghetti pie leftovers, place individual slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350ºF oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent sogginess and keep the crust crisp. A quick reheat in a skillet covered with a lid also does the trick, preserving both warmth and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives authentic flavor, turkey sausage or even vegetarian sausage alternatives can work well depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Is it necessary to let the pie rest before serving?
Yes, letting the pie rest for at least 10 minutes is important. It allows the filling to set so the slices hold together nicely and don’t fall apart when served.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
You sure can! Assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is an excellent substitute that offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This traditional recipe uses regular spaghetti, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your other ingredients, like sausage and sauce, are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe that just feeds the soul. It combines comfort food familiarity with a fun, unexpected presentation that makes mealtime feel special without fuss. I promise once you try it, this cheesy, basil-kissed pie will become a standout in your recipe arsenal and a new favorite for your family. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Spaghetti Pie with Italian Sausage, Basil, and Four Cheeses Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful Spaghetti Pie that layers al dente pasta with savory Italian sausage, rich cheeses, and fresh basil, baked to golden perfection for a hearty meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Pasta Mixture
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
Meat Sauce
- ½ lb Italian sausage
- 1½ cups spaghetti sauce
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Cheese Mixture and Topping
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for cheese mixture)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Pasta Ingredients: To the drained spaghetti, add the egg, melted butter, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup). Toss well to coat all the noodles evenly. Press this spaghetti mixture firmly along the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate to form a crust.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it loses its pink color and is fully cooked through. Drain excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and chopped fresh basil, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Assemble Layers: In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Spread this cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust in the pie plate. Spoon the meat sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese (¾ cup) and grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup) evenly over the top of the pie.
- Bake and Rest: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the pie is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and allow the pie to stand for 10 minutes before serving; this resting time helps the pie set and prevents it from falling apart when sliced.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the spaghetti; it should be al dente to hold up well in the pie.
- Pressing the spaghetti mixture firmly into the pie plate helps create a sturdy crust that holds the filling.
- Resting the baked pie before serving is crucial for it to set properly and maintain its shape.
- For a spicier flavor, use Italian sausage with added chile flakes or add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
