If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and herbaceous meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Baked Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil Recipe is ready to steal the show at your dinner table. This dish combines al dente spaghetti with rich tomato sauce, layers of gooey mozzarella, a sprinkle of nutty parmesan, and the bright freshness of basil for a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this baked spaghetti dish elevates everyday ingredients into a dazzling, melt-in-your-mouth experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Baked Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil Recipe, you’ll rely on a handful of classic ingredients that each play an essential role. From pasta that forms the hearty base, to cheeses that build luscious layers, and fresh basil that adds a final aromatic pop, every item contributes to a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
- Spaghetti (1 pound): This long, thin pasta provides the perfect structure to hold the sauce and cheeses together.
- Spaghetti sauce (1 ½ cups): Use your favorite tomato-based sauce to add tangy richness and moisture throughout the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey, cheesy texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Adds essential seasoning to the pasta water, infusing the noodles with flavor from the inside out.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): This cheese brings a subtle sharpness and savory depth as a topping.
- Fresh basil (to taste): Adding fresh basil leaves on top brightens the dish with herbal notes and a fresh, vibrant color.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheeses
Start by shredding the mozzarella cheese and grating the parmesan if you haven’t already done so. Having your cheeses ready to go is crucial for smooth layering later and ensures they melt evenly into that perfect gooey, golden finish.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the sweet spot for baking your spaghetti so that the cheese melts perfectly and the top turns delightfully golden without drying out.
Step 3: Boil and Salt the Water
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then add one teaspoon of salt. This step is key because seasoning the water seasons the pasta internally, elevating the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Add the spaghetti to the salted boiling water and cook it just shy of al dente—about two minutes less than the package instructions recommend. This ensures your noodles will finish cooking perfectly in the baking dish without getting mushy.
Step 5: Drain and Mix
Drain your pasta using a colander, then return it to the pot. This keeps everything contained as you mix in the sauce and some of the mozzarella cheese evenly throughout the noodles, creating delicious pockets of cheesy sauce in every bite.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the pot with your drained pasta. Mix everything thoroughly so that each strand is coated with savory sauce and cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Assemble in Baking Dish
Transfer the combined spaghetti mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now top it with the remaining mozzarella, sprinkle the parmesan cheese over, and scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a gorgeous golden-brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly crisp but the inside remains tender and cheesy.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just a touch more fresh basil leaves after baking enhances the aroma and adds a delightful contrast to the rich cheese. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add exciting depth and a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables, which provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the hearty pasta. Garlic bread is a classic side that doubles as a perfect tool for scooping up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve the baked spaghetti straight from the baking dish right onto plates, highlighting its rustic homestyle charm. Alternatively, you can portion it into individual ramekins before baking for a fun, elegant presentation that’s great for dinner parties or special family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked spaghetti stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then store for up to two months. If freezing baked portions, wrap each portion individually for easy reheating later on.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen baked spaghetti in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese melts again, about 15-20 minutes. A microwave is convenient for quick reheating but may sacrifice some crispiness on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is it necessary to salt the pasta water?
Yes, salting the pasta water is an important step to season the noodles as they cook, which enhances the overall flavor of the baked dish.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely. Adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and peppers can turn this into a hearty, all-in-one meal.
What type of mozzarella should I use?
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella works best for melting and achieving that stretchy texture. Fresh mozzarella can be used, but be mindful it may release more liquid while baking.
How do I prevent the dish from drying out in the oven?
Making sure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking and covering the baking dish loosely with foil during the first part of baking can help retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about a warm, cheesy, and basil-scented dish fresh out of the oven, and this Baked Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil Recipe checks all those boxes and more. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, it’s a cozy, inviting meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Give this recipe a try and make it your new go-to comforting classic!
Print
Baked Spaghetti with Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting baked spaghetti casserole featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti mixed with rich tomato sauce, layered with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and baked until golden and bubbly. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 ½ cups spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheeses: Shred the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses if they are not pre-shredded, then set them aside for later use.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled casserole.
- Boil Water: Place a large pot on the stove over medium-high heat, add water, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to flavor the pasta water.
- Cook Spaghetti: Once boiling, add the spaghetti to the water and cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions specify, ensuring the pasta remains firm.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked spaghetti using a colander, then return the pasta to the pot you used for cooking.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add 1 ½ cups of spaghetti sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the pot with spaghetti. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine the sauce and cheese with the noodles.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the sauced spaghetti mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated parmesan evenly on top. Finally, scatter fresh basil leaves over the cheese for added flavor and color.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand briefly before serving.
Notes
- Cooking pasta slightly under al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil, adding it to the sauce while mixing the pasta.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce before mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use a non-stick or lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
