She Strengthens

Savory Italian Delight: A Hearty Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering? Look no further! This easy baked spaghetti recipe combines the flavors of Italy with the convenience of a one-dish wonder.

A Symphony of Flavors

This recipe brings together the richness of Italian sausage, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, all wrapped up in a simple marinara sauce. The result is a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, with a depth of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 3/4 pounds sweet or hot Italian sausage links
• Olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Let’s Get Cooking!

Preheat your oven to 375°F and oil a 3-quart baking dish. While that’s heating up, cook your spaghetti to al dente in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Drain and set aside.

Sausage and Vegetables

In a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into thin strips. Discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from the frying pan, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the peppers and onion. Sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring, until tender and browned.

Assemble the Masterpiece

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, peppers, and onion with the marinara sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and half the Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together until well combined.

Layering the Goodness

Add half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese, sprinkles of Parmesan and mozzarella, and finally the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the remaining ricotta and mozzarella cheese.

The Finishing Touches

Bake until warmed through and bubbly, about 1 hour. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, and get ready for the oohs and aahs from your family and friends!

This baked spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and with its easy preparation and impressive presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal together!